Zayn Malik Quits One Direction, Publicist Reveals News Through Statement; Twitter Freaks Out

Zayn Malik has decided to leave One Direction after 5 years in the opposite direction by quitting the five-some group. The cries of prepubescent youth are getting louder and louder.

On Wednesday, Zayn’s publicist Simon Jones tweeted the news. His full statement is below.

One Direction Statement: After five incredible years Zayn Malik has decided to leave One Direction. Niall, (cont) https://t.co/2SA4PzPd82

— Simon Jones (@simonjonespr) March 25, 2015

“One Direction Statement: After five incredible years Zayn Malik has decided to leave One Direction. 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.

Zayn says: “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 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 say: “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 says: “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 boy band’s current tour will continue as scheduled through October.

People on Twitter are freaking out… Naturally. Happy emotions, sad emotions, and sympathetic.

collapsed into my apartment and almost got a concussion but that would have hurt a lot less than Zayn Malik leaving One Direction.

— shanvan ✨ (@n0nnahs_) March 25, 2015

https://twitter.com/zayntheist/status/580773104974225409

https://twitter.com/Ollie__Martin/status/580772957984858112

@zaynmalik HOW COUKD YOU DO THIS

— maria!! (@17blackstyIes) March 25, 2015

OMG: #ZaynMalik has officially left #OneDirection and I'm SO SAD RN. I recognize the potential to lose followers with this tweet but Idk.

— Kristin Ross (@kriskross22) March 25, 2015

https://twitter.com/liamftpain/status/580773834799775744

So shocked to hear Zayn Malik has left One Direction, very sad to hear this, i hope the band stick together and carry on as a 4 peice

— Daniel Halawi (@dan9700) March 25, 2015

https://twitter.com/slwtty/status/580773808702816256

https://twitter.com/ObeyNudaah/status/580772739558014976

Good Luck, Zayn, on your future boy band-less endeavors!