It’s a sad day for girls and boys world wide, the news has just broken: Zayn Malik has officially left One Direction.
Wonderland November/December 2012.
By way of Facebook announcement on the official One Direction page, it has been confirmed that Zayn Malik, aged 22, has left world-famous boy band One Direction after five years. But this isn’t the end for One Direction who will continue to record their fifth album (charted for release later this year) as a four-piece outfit. After missing tour dates in Manila and Jakarta, rumours of Zayn’s whereabouts were rife on Twitter, but the last thing we expected was a complete departure from the band.
Zayn’s public announcement reads:
“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.”
The remaining four Directioners have also commented on the news:
“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.”
With millions of teenagers sobbing into their pillows (and a Directioner Help Line imminent), we leave you with Zayn, a puppy and the Best Song Ever.
Words: Brooke McCord.
Photographer: Michael Hauptman.
Fashion Editor: Julia Sarr-Jamois.