Zayn Malik Quits One Direction

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Zayn Malik is quitting One Direction. Is this for good? Malik has released the following statement via Facebook:

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. 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.

In response to Malik’s leaving, the remaining for band-mates (Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, Harry Styles, and Liam Payne) stated:

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.

Band creator Simon Cowell also released a statement that said:

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.

This is a sad day for Directioners, who’ve fallen in love with Malik, but at least the others are going to carry on without him. Perhaps he’ll return in the future.

Recently, Malik was spotted in some questionable photos with a girl named Lauren Richardson, which brought problems for his longtime relationship with fiancee Perrie Edwards of the girl band Little Mix. In response, he decided to venture home for a short break to get away from the chaos of being a celebrity. He also took to Twitter to respond to the cheating allegations.

One Direction will continue on with their world tour as a four-piece band and will record a fifth album later this year.