One Direction has lost a member – time to make sure your 1D fanatic is being held tight.
Zayn Malik on November 23, 2014 in Los Angeles (Getty)
After quitting the band’s tour due to stress, Zayn Malik has left the British band.
“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,” the band said in a statement posted on Facebook.
PHOTOS: The Boys Of One Direction
Zayn also released a statement about his departure.
“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,” he said.
Despite Zayn’s departure, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Liam Payne and Niall Horan will continue on with 1D.
PHOTOS: One Direction Gets Waxed!
“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,” the band said.
Simon Cowell, who formed the group out of solo “X Factor” contestants, also spoke out.
WATCH: One Direction Answers Fan Questions!
“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,” the reality TV mogul said.
— Jesse Spero
Copyright © 2024 by NBC Universal, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
This material may not be republished, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.