Zayn Malik did not simply depart the most recent One Direction tour. He has completely left the group.
“After five incredible years Zayn Malik has decided to leave One Direction,” reads an official statement posted on the band’s Facebook page. 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.”
Predictable amid news of his tour departure, the revelation nonetheless sent a shockwave through the Directioner fan community. The aforementioned Facebook post features a seemingly endless array of fan comments expressing surprise–and sadness–at the news.
Per the statement, Malik attributes his exist to a desire to be “a normal 22-year-old who is able to relax and have some private time out of the spotlight.”
“My life with One Direction has been more than I could ever have imagined,” says Malik. “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.”
Noting that they have shared “beyond amazing” years with Malik, the four remaining 1D members declare that they will always be friends with Zayn.
“We’re really sad to see Zayn go, but we totally respect his decision and send him all our love for the future,” says 1D in a collective statement. “The past five years have been beyond amazing, we’ve gone through so much together, so we will always be friends.”
Simon Cowell, whose “X Factor” franchise played host to the genesis of One Direction, adds, “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.”
