Mod Sun Opens Up on Avril Lavigne Split

A Look Back at the High-Profile Romance and Its Aftermath

In the world of celebrity relationships, few whirlwind romances captured attention quite like that of pop-punk icon Avril Lavigne and musician-producer Mod Sun. Now, more than a year after their highly publicized split, Mod Sun (real name Derek Smith) is opening up about the end of their engagement and the profound personal growth that followed.

The story began in early 2021, not on a red carpet, but in a recording studio. The two artists connected through a record label, sparking a creative partnership that quickly evolved into something deeper. Their collaboration resulted in the duet "Flames," released in January 2021, a track that hinted at the fiery chemistry between them. Just eight months later, they officially confirmed their relationship on social media.

From Studio to Paris: A Whirlwind Engagement

Their romance accelerated rapidly. By April 2022, Mod Sun popped the question in the romantic city of Paris, and the engagement made headlines. During their time together, they weren't just partners in life but also in music. Mod Sun played a significant role in Lavigne's career, co-writing several tracks for her 2022 album, "Love Sux." The artistic synergy seemed undeniable, with Lavigne being described by Mod as "truly talent" and a "wonderful influence" on his own personal development.

"We met through a truly awesome label making music," Mod Sun shared in a resurfaced podcast clip recorded in June 2024 and recently posted. "It was lovely. She was a true talent being around. I write and produce songs for other artists, so it was amazing coming up with an idea and seeing someone so f--king talented sing it."

The Breakup and a Path to Healing

Despite the intense connection and public displays of affection, the relationship ended in February 2023. While Lavigne has remained publicly silent on the split, Mod Sun has been candid about his journey in the months and years that followed. In the same podcast appearance, he acknowledged the difficulties but also highlighted the positive impact the experience had on his mental well-being and self-identity.

"We're two different people, but I think I had a great influence on her," Mod Sun reflected. "I think she couldn't have had a more wonderful influence on me from the side of [helping me] grow up. Like now, I'm very secure of who I am, because I've been lost in the last three years of wondering, 'Where do I fit in?'"

Cultivating Empathy and Moving Forward

The breakup, he explained, forced him to confront personal issues, particularly regarding empathy and handling feelings of betrayal. "I pray every single day," he shared, "and in those prayers, I'm like, 'Just allow me to lead with empathy and be a shining light.' My form of empathy is finally attached to being like, 'Dude, you've got to get outside of yourself. When someone does you wrong, stop thinking f--k them, you did me dirty, and I'm out for revenge.' It started being like, 'Step in their position.'"

This shift in perspective is evident in his changed feelings towards his exes. Mod Sun admitted that his initial reaction might have been filled with spite, but he's now found a place of peace. "If we had done this talk three months ago, I might've been like, 'F--k that person. I hope she hears this,'" he confessed. "But I'm now just like, 'If I run into you? It's all love. I hope you're well.'"

Lavigne's life post-split included a brief, high-profile relationship with rapper Tyga in early 2023, though that also ended after a few months. Mod Sun, meanwhile, channeled his energy into his music career, touring and focusing on his spiritual and mental health, describing the "love every night on tour" as a "blessing."

As Mod Sun continues to heal and grow, his public reflection on the end of his engagement to Avril Lavigne serves as a reminder of the complex nature of high-profile relationships and the potential for profound personal transformation, even after a "not-so-happy ending."