In a candid and long-awaited revelation, Zayn Malik has finally opened up about his decision to leave the globally renowned boy band One Direction after eight years. Speaking on the podcast “Call Her Daddy,” Malik shared the true motivations behind his departure from the British sensation that skyrocketed him to stardom.
In his first interview in almost six years, Malik admitted that his decision to quit the band in 2015 stemmed from his desire to launch a successful solo career and outshine his fellow bandmates. Additionally, after spending five years in close proximity, the members had grown weary of each other’s company.
Malik’s departure came as a shock to fans in March 2015. One Direction released their final album without him later that November before going on an indefinite hiatus in 2016. All five members eventually embarked on successful solo careers.
Although Malik refrained from delving into specific details, he hinted at internal politics and disagreements within the band. “Certain people were doing certain things, certain people didn’t want to sign contracts, so I knew something was happening,” he revealed. “So I just got ahead of the curve, if I’m being honest with you.”
Malik described the underlying issues within their friendships, admitting they had become exhausted after spending every day together for five years. He stated, “We were close. We’d done crazy things with each other that nobody else in the world will ever understand… I look back on it now in a much fonder light than I would’ve as I’d just left.”
Following his departure, Malik’s debut single, “Pillowtalk,” soared to the top of the charts in January 2016. The singer acknowledged that while pursuing a solo career was a significant motivation, the strain of spending an extensive amount of time with his bandmates had taken its toll, leading to a desire for some time apart.
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Despite having contemplated his departure for some time, Malik revealed that the actual decision was somewhat spontaneous, as he hadn’t even discussed it with his parents. While his mother was supportive, his father struggled with the idea of his departure. Malik recounted the conversation, saying, “I said, ‘I’m coming home, is it OK? Have you still got a bed for me?’ And she was like, ‘Yeah.’ My dad wasn’t so cool about it. He was like, ‘No, no, you’ve got to stay with Simon (Cowell), Simon’s gonna steer you right. Don’t come home, stay there!’ But my mum was like, ‘Yeah, you can come home, please son, come home!'”
Currently working on his fourth album, Malik is set to release his new single, ‘Love Like This,’ next week. Fans eagerly await the next chapter in his solo career as he continues to make waves in the music industry.
