Directioners around the globe are in mourning today following the announcement that Zayn Malik has quit One Direction. After five years in the chart-topping boy band, the 22-year-old singer has opted out for a quieter life.
Malik said in a statement: “My life with One Direction has been more than I could ever have imagined. But, after five years, I feel like it is now the right time for me to leave the band. I’d like to apologise to the fans if I’ve let anyone down, but I have to do what feels right in my heart.” He continued: “I am leaving because I want to be a normal 22-year-old who is able to relax and have some private time out of the spotlight. I know I have four friends for life in Louis, Liam, Harry and Niall. I know they will continue to be the best band in the world.”
With Zayn’s departure, the future of One Direction is in doubt, although the remaining four want to continue recording together.
Malik’s move to quit the pop group comes shortly after he left One Direction’s On The Road Again tour prematurely, in the wake of cheating allegations. The singer, who has been in a relationship with Perrie Edwards for three years, was pictured holding hands and with a 19-year-old girl, Lauren Richardson, while on holiday in Thailand. The snaps swiftly went viral on social media, so Malik flew straight home for “crisis talks” with Perrie, who he has been engaged to for just over a year.
At the time, a spokesperson for the band said: “Zayn has signed off with stress and is flying back to the UK to recuperate. The band wish him well and will continue with their performances in Manila and Jakarta.”
Less than a week after quitting the tour to reconcile with his fiancee, Zayn has decided to quit the boy band. Within minutes of the announcement, a social media firestorm erupted, with devastated fans expressing their grief. Expressions of outrage, anger and dismay were posted under the hashtag #AlwaysInOurHeartsZaynMalik.
In a statement on Facebook, fellow bandmates Niall, Liam, Louis and Harry wished Zayn well and assured fans they would continue as a four-piece act. Simon Cowell also wished Zayn well, saying his was “very fond” and “immensely proud” of the young singer.
