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 The decision by Malik to quit came after he dropped out of an
Asian tour due to what he said was stress when pictures of the
singer, who is engaged to Perrie Edwards of Little Mix, were
published showing him partying with another woman in Thailand.
"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," Malik said in a
statement on One Direction's Facebook page.
The announcement said Malik's decision had come after five years
with the band, which came to prominence for its performance on
the popular televised singing competition "The X Factor" in
2010.
One Direction's biggest hits include "Best Song Ever", "Kiss
You", "What Makes You Beautiful" and "Story of My Life".
The remaining band members, Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Harry
Styles and Louis Tomlinson, will continue on their current world
tour as a foursome and will release their fifth album later this
year, the statement said.
"We're really sad to see Zayn go, but we totallyrespect 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 band members said.
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Simon Cowell, the British music and television impresario who
launched the band, 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."
The announcement instantly made Malik's name one of the top trends
on Twitter and produced anguished reactions from fans.
"I KEEP HOPING THAT @zaynmalik LEAVING IS SOME EARLY APRIL FOOLS
JOKE BY @onedirection," tweeted one American fan.
(Writing by Michael Roddy; Editing by Catherine Evans)
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