Was Zayn Malik Fired From One Direction?
In case you've been hiding under a rock, boy bander Zayn Malik has left a trail of devastation globally after his shock(ish) departure from the world's biggest boy band, One Direction.
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While it was announced to the world (via a Facebook statement of course) that the decision was because he wanted to be a "normal 22-year-old," word on the street suggests something a little less glossy.
Radar Online are reporting that it was in fact Zayn's 'drug and alcohol use' that really got him booted from the band.
A (totally reliable) source from the band's 'upper middle management' told the site, "Zayn's alcohol and drug use became a huge problem," and when he was given an ultimatum to sober up or leave the band, he chose to leave.
"He chose not to get clean and that is when they parted ways," the source says.
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The site is also claiming that Zayn was initially 'ordered back to London' last week when he left the band's world tour in Asia because he was in 'bad shape' and 'going down fast.'
"It was decided that it was best for him to go and take care of him for right now," the source says.
In May last year video footage went viral of Zayn smoking what is thought to be marijuana before one of the band's shows.
When the band then launched their new album Four in November that year, he was noticeably absent from their promotional spot on Today in New York -- with 1D member Liam Payne telling host Matt Lauer that a 'tummy bug' was apparently to blame.
RELATED: Simon Cowell: One Direction can go solo
Since the announcement of Zayn's departure yesterday, the four remaining 1D members have all released statements via Twitter over the 'controversy.'
All the love as always. H
— Harry Styles. (@Harry_Styles) March 26, 2015
Been a mad few days and your support has been incredible as per usual ! This in turn Spurs us on to make the best music we possibly can
— Niall Horan (@NiallOfficial) March 26, 2015
Put on great shows / tours for you guys. You are the best fans in the world and you deserve nothing less from us!
— Niall Horan (@NiallOfficial) March 26, 2015
Been a crazy couple of days but know that we are going to work harder than ever to deliver the best album we've ever made for you guys !
— Louis Tomlinson (@Louis_Tomlinson) March 26, 2015
In light of recent events I think this is important to say. For the past five years now I've been part of (cont) http://t.co/rkSsnCOc4W
— Liam (@Real_Liam_Payne) March 26, 2015
NB Liam's statement was truncated -- his message went on to say "please keep ur faith in us I'm sure there's a lot more to come [sic]."
The band are apparently still on track to deliver their highly anticipated new album later this year.
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