Zayn Malik. Photo: PA WireHarry Styles appeared to break down in tears on stage as he apparently struggled to come to terms with Zayn Malik’s sudden departure from boy band One Direction.
Styles wiped away tears as the band performed the latest leg of their On the Road Again tour in Jakarta, Indonesia, just hours after the news of Malik’s leaving broke.
Malik said he quit the world’s biggest band as he wants the chance to be “a normal 22-year-old”.
He left the world tour last week after being “signed off with stress” and returned to the UK after he was forced to defend himself online and declare his love for fiancée Perrie Edwards when pictures emerged of him apparently close to another woman.
The group said they would continue as a four-piece for the tour and record another album − their fifth − later this year.
The four of us will now continue. We’re looking forward to recording the new album
Malik said: “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.”
In a statement, the rest of the group said: “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.”
A spokesman for the band said Malik, who grew up in Bradford, is at home with his family and fiancée Edwards.
The news devastated millions of One Direction’s fans around the world, and many took to social media to vent their feelings Campaigners have reacted with horror after it emerged some fans were urging others to self-harm in reaction to the news Malik quit the boy band.
Shortly after the announcement, pictures emerged on social media from fans who appeared to have harmed themselves and were asking others to do so.
A spokesman for children's charity Barnardo’s said: “We are horrified at the overnight trending of self-harm tweets after Zayn Malik quit One Direction with teenagers posting pictures of their self-inflicted injuries and encouraging others to follow suit.
“Self-harming sites and social media chat on self-harm are a disturbing aspect of culture which must be addressed and handled sensitively by all those responsible for caring for children.”
Simon Cowell, who discovered One Direction on talent show The X Factor, 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.”