In “What’s Making the 12-Year-Olds Cry Today” news, One Direction’s Zayn Malik (second from right) has left the band’s world tour amidst “scandalous” photos that feature him holding hands with a young woman who is not his fiancée, Perrie Edwards.
Zayn outside a pub in Phuket. (03/17/15) #2 (@AWongnarat) pic.twitter.com/mXtJnUXqMh
— 1DPH (@Official1D_PHIL) March 18, 2015
A rep said Malik “has been signed off with stress.” Malik took to Twitter yesterday to blame the photos on “jealous f*cks.”
I’m 22 years old… I love a girl named Perrie Edwards. And there’s a lot of jealous fucks in this world I’m sorry for what it looks like x — zaynmalik1D (@zaynmalik) March 18, 2015
In addition to the cheating possibilities, the Philippines has required Malik and bandmate Louis Tomlinson to post $5,000 bonds which would be forfeited if either is caught using drugs while in Manila. That concert is this weekend, so Malik will not be present.
The last time the band had to perform sans Malik was in November, when he did not appear on Today with the group due to, their words, “a tummy bug.” Matt Lauer pressed them, asking if it was actually substance abuse.
Our thoughts are with the band’s fans. Mostly our thoughts are with their parents. We’re sure there’s been a lot of crying.
