UPDATE: The other members of One Direction tweeted sentiments hours after the band announced Zayn Malik would leave One Direction. It had been a trying day.
Louis Tomlinson promised the group's next album would be their best:
EARLIER: Zayn Malik is leaving One Direction, the band announced via Facebook on Wednesday. The news comes a week after Malik decided to ditch the group's tour, citing "stress."
The announcement noted that One Direction would continue touring and recording without him, and included a comment from Simon Cowell, who helped form the band in 2010 via the British show "The X-Factor."
"I am leaving because I want to be a normal 22-year-old who is able to relax and have some private time out of the spotlight," Malik wrote in the post. "I know I have four friends for life in Louis, Liam, Harry and Niall. I know they will continue to be the best band in the world."
Read the whole statement:
After five incredible years Zayn Malik has decided to leave OneDirection. Niall, Harry, Liam and Louis will continue as...
Posted by One Direction on Wednesday, March 25, 2015