Directioners — we will all get through this together. One Direction has released an official statement on March 25 confirming that Zayn Malik, 22, is leaving One Direction forever. Zayn has also released a heartbreaking statement of his own. Take a deep breath and read both statements below.
“After five incredible years Zayn Malik has decided to leave One Direction. Niall, Harry, Liam and Louis will continue as a four-piece and look forward to the forthcoming concerts of their world tour and recording their fifth album, due to be released later this year,” One Direction’s officialFacebook posted.
Zayn himself wrote, “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. 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.”
Zayn’s bandmates Liam Payne, Niall Horan, Harry Styles, and Louis Tomlinson wrote, “We’re really sad to see Zayn go, but we totally respect his decision and send him all our love for the future. The past five years have been beyond amazing, we’ve gone through so much together, so we will always be friends. The four of us will now continue. We’re looking forward to recording the new album and seeing all the fans on the next stage of the world tour
Simon Cowell, the man who put them all together, wrote, “I would like to say thank you to Zayn for everything he has done for One Direction. Since I first met Zayn in 2010, I have grown very, very fond – and immensely proud – of him. I have seen him grow in confidence and I am truly sorry to see him leave. As for One Direction, fans can rest assured that Niall, Liam, Harry and Louis are hugely excited about the future of the band.”
Events That Lead To Zayn’s Announcment That He Is Quit One Direction
A picture of Zayn in Thailand possibly cheating on his fiancee Perrie Edwards surfaced on March 18. Not knowing what to believe, Perrie gave him an ultimatum — take a few days off the 1D tour to return home or their relationship is over.
Zayn, clearly stressed and confused, announced he would be taking a few days off the tour to return to the UK to take a breather. Rumors of him quitting the band were swirling but Directioners prayed there was no truth behind the talk.
