CONFIRMED: Zayn Malik leaves One Direction

MANILA, Philippines – It’s an awful day for Directioners around the world: Zayn Malik has left One Direction. 

The 5-member band – Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and Zayn – has now officially become a 4-man group after Zayn announced that he is leaving British boyband One Direction. (READ: In tweets: Fans react to news that Zayn Malik is leaving One Direction)

According to a statement posted on the official Facebook page of One Direction, Zayn said: 

“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 apologize 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 wrote.

The band also followed with a statement, saying:

“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.”

Producer Simon Cowell also thanked Zayn for everything he’s done for the band:

“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.”

Speculations of the 22-year old singer leaving the band only grew after Zayn’s sudden departure from the On The Road Tour due to stress, leaving the originally 5 members of the band to be 4 during the Manila and Jakarta legs.

Many also speculated that his sudden departure from the tour was connected to rumors about him cheating on fiancee Perrie Edwards of Little Mix – rumors Zayn said were false. – Rappler.com

Photo via J Stone/Shutterstock

More One Direction on Rappler here:

Zayn Malik:

• CONFIRMED: Zayn Malik leaves One Direction
• In tweets: Fans react to news that Zayn Malik is leaving One Direction
• PH fans react to news that Zayn Malik won’t come to Manila
• Zayn Malik of One Direction will not perform in Manila concert

One Direction in Jakarta:

• IN PHOTOS: One Direction in Jakarta

One Direction in Manila:

Day 2

• IN PHOTOS: One Direction’s last night in Manila
• Highlights: Day 2, One Direction in Manila concert

Day 1

• IN PHOTOS: One Direction in Manila concert, day 1
• Watch clips from One Direction live in Manila, day 1

Arrival

• One Direction arrives in Manila

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• One Direction pays ‘marijuana bond’ to Philippines – govt
• One Direction concert organizers must pay cash bond for 1D to perform
• Two members of One Direction caught smoking on video
• One Direction to perform in Manila in 2015