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Adam Levine Talks Douchebag Reputation, Why He Dates Models

Adam Levine poses for GQ magazine
Adam Levine discussed his douchebag reputation, why he dates models, and more in the July 2014 issue of GQ

Love him or leave him (but he'd prefer the former!) Adam Levine is pretty vocal while coaching on NBC's The Voice, so it isn't surprising when he speaks out about his personal life—and his reputation. The Maroon 5 frontman discussed the "douchebag" label he's so often been associated with in Hollywood, and his model-dating streak in the July 2014 issue of GQ magazine.

Related: PHOTOS: Hollywood's biggest flirts

"Would it be really easy to assume that I was a douchebag? Definitely. One hundred percent. But that doesn't mean that I am. Or maybe I am, I don't know," the 35-year-old told the mag.

Related: PHOTOS: Hollywood's biggest bad boys

"You know what the gist of this article is? Your opening line can be: 'You don't have to like me, but I'd prefer it if you did," he added. "That's kind of how I feel. I'm not the easiest person to love right off the bat, you know. If I knew everyone in the world, they would love me. Every single last f–ing one of them."

The California native's band earned instant radio play with its hit "Harder to Breathe" off their debut album in Songs About Jane in 2002. Since then, Levine has launched his own fragrance, been a face of Proactiv, joined the singing competition, and oh yes, dated several models over the years.

Related: PHOTOS: Celebrities who love models

"Preference should never be looked down upon. Unless it's based on something really shitty. I'm not saying I have a preference, but like, I want to date someone," Levine told GQ.

"Listen, there are a lot of women in this country, in many countries, who date men for their money. Okay? That's despicable. Right? That's not what we're talking about here," he continued. "Whatever does it for you, man. I don't like feet. You know what I mean? But some people do. Some people have f–king foot fetishes. And it's weird to me. But I don't have to deal with it, because I don't have that. You know?"

Related: PHOTOS: Before they were on The Voice

"Men are not as sophisticated as women. They're not as mature as women. They're not as connected with their emotions as women," the "Maps" singer explained. "There's a very Neanderthal quality that still exists in a lot of men. There's the carnal sh-t you can't deny. And if you're in the public eye, to me, it's very boring to say what you have to say and be media trained to the extent that you don't ever reveal any truth. There was a time in my life when I lived probably a bit more on the primal level. And it was amazing."

Levine, who's set to marry Victoria's Secret model Behati Prinsloo in Mexico this summer, seems to be misunderstood by his peers, too. (Well, sort of.) Levine stars in the upcoming film Begin Again with actress Keira Knightley, where his character Dave behaves like a jerk. During an appearance on the Today show Wednesday, co-host Savannah Guthrie pointed out to Levine that Knightley thought he played a jerk very well. "Thank you?" Levine laughed. "I'm hoping she meant that in the best possible way."

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