Zayn Malik quits One Direction: read the official statements from Zayn, 1D and Simon Cowell

Boy pop supergroup One Direction is now apparently Two Directions as member Zayn Malick officially quits the band. The permanent split comes almost exactly a week after it was announced Zayn was taking a break from the band’s tour due to stress from allegations that he cheated on his fiancée Perrie Edwards.

Statements from Zayn, One Direction and Simon Cowell were posted on the band’s Facebook page earlier today. “After five incredible years Zayn Malik has decided to leave One Direction,” the post begins. “Niall, Harry, Liam and Louis will continue as a four-piece and look forward to the forthcoming concerts of their world tour and recording their fifth album, due to be released later this year.”

“My life with One Direction has been more than I could ever have imagined,” Zayn said of his time with the band. “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.”

One Direction spoke as one about their band mate’s departure. “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.”

Simon Cowell, who was a judge on Britain’s The X Factor when One Direction finished 3rd in 2010, and who later signed the band to his record label Syco Records, had this to say to and about Zayn: “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.”