Zayn Malik recently opened up about the reasons behind the split of boy band sensation One Direction in a candid interview on the Call Her Daddy podcast. Reflecting on the group’s breakup in 2015 after five years of immense fame, Malik attributed it to a combination of internal politics and the fact that the band members, including Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, and Liam Payne, had grown tired of each other’s company.
When asked about his decision to leave the group, Malik shared that he had known for some time that a change was imminent. Without delving into specifics, he mentioned the presence of politics within the group and revealed that certain individuals were reluctant to sign contracts, signaling that something was brewing. Wanting to stay ahead of the situation, Malik made the choice to step away, recognizing that it was time to move on. “I think this is done,” he recalled feeling.
The “Pillowtalk” singer admitted to another motive behind his departure, stating that he had a strong personal desire to be the first member to pursue a solo career. Asserting his seriousness and competitiveness when it came to his music and business, Malik confessed, “I’m gonna jump the gun here for the first time. I’m passive, but when it comes to my music and my business, I’m serious about it.” This drive led him to venture into his own musical journey.
Since leaving One Direction, Malik has released three solo albums: “Mind of Mine” in 2016, “Icarus Falls” in 2018, and “Nobody is Listening” in 2021. Each member of the original band has embarked on their own solo careers, following their individual aspirations.
While there have been past controversies surrounding the group, including Liam Payne’s negative comments about Zayn Malik, Payne recently issued an apology, acknowledging that his initial remarks stemmed from personal frustrations. Payne expressed remorse for taking his anger out on others and admitted that his words were misguided. He emphasized that his previous statements were not a reflection of his true character.
Malik concluded the interview by expressing appreciation for his time in One Direction, despite the ultimate outcome. Looking back, he views the experience in a more positive light, cherishing the great moments and experiences they shared. As he put it, “We just ran our course.”