It’s official: One Direction member Zayn Malik is leaving One Direction.
After being spotted at a U.K. club allegedly flirting with a woman who was not Perrie Edwards, his fiancee, the outrage and intense speculation began. While Malik originally planned rejoin the group in South Africa after a short stint away from their tour, the band released a statement today shedding light on their plans to go forth without him:
“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.”