Zayn Malik Exits One Direction

Wendy Geller
·Writer, Yahoo Entertainment
Updated
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Zayn Malik, one-fifth of hit-making boy band One Direction, has announced that he will be officially leaving the group. The 22-year-old cited a need for privacy and relaxation as the driving force behind his decision.

The announcement was posted Wednesday on One Direction’s Facebook account and comes one week after Malik made headlines for leaving the band’s current tour due to stress. His exit from the tour also coincided with rumors of trouble in his relationship with fiancee Perrie Edwards, which he denied on Twitter.

"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," Malik said in a statement.

"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."

Meanwhile, the remaining members — who were quick to assure fans they will continue on as a four-piece — issued their own statement: “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,” they noted. “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.”

Syco Records label head Simon Cowell, who discovered the band, added his thoughts as well: “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.”

Malik himself also seemed eager to let fans know he plans to remain on good terms with his former bandmates. “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.”