Zayn Malik Announces He's Leaving One Direction, Girls Cry Worldwide

Big news, One Direction fans. Zayn Malik has called it quits and is officially leaving the band.

Malik, who is 22 years old, has been in the band for the past five years.

The band will continue to create music and tour as a four-man outfit. Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Liam Payne and Louis Tomlinson will all remain in the band.

Zayn issued a statement saying,

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.

Only time will tell how Zayn's departure affects the band's chemistry and musical output.

For now, the band members all wish Zayn well. They released their own 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.

It's unclear why Zayn has made this decision, but it seems he has been under a great deal of emotional stress after he was accused of cheating on his fiancèe.

I have a feeling he's going to regret this one when it's all said and done.

Citations: Zayn Malik QUITS One Direction after five years (Daily Mail)