Simon Cowell has commented on Zayn Malik leaving One Direction, and he’s been rather philosophical about it, too.
We imagine Si is actually raging on the inside about one-fifth of the world’s biggest boy band jacking it all in to, we imagine, play video games and eat pizza for a few months - but he appeared calm on Twitter, commenting:
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Very tactful, Simon.
Note that he bigged-up the rest of the band, as they’re still on tour and confused as can be, the poor mites (see also: Harry Styles crying on stage last night in Jakarta).
We see great things for the other boys too, though Simon will also undoubtedly soon be rubbing his money-stained hands together in glee over the prospect of launching Zayn as a solo artist once he’s had a bit of a holiday and calmed down.
Zayn quit yesterday if you’ve been living under a rock, releasing the following statement:
"My life with One Direction has been more than I could ever have imagined.
"But, after five years, I feel like it is now the right time for me to leave the band. I'd like to apologise to the fans if I've let anyone down, but I have to do what feels right in my heart.
"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.
"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."
Sad face.
Don't make us go through it again :(
Zayn Malik quits One Direction - here's how it happened
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Zayn is spotted with a "mystery" blonde girl who ISN'T his fiancee Perrie Edwards while on tour in Thailand and Twitter goes into meltdown
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The "mystery blonde" is identified as Lauren Richardson from Essex, and things look cosy - though her mum insists she was "just posing for a snap" with Zayn
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As Twitter goes into meltdown over the photos, Zayn tweets: "I'm 22 years old... I love a girl named Perrie Edwards. And there's a lot of jealous f***s in this world I'm sorry for what it looks like x"
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Zayn then sensationally QUITS the One Direction tour. His publicist Simon Jones says: "Zayn has been signed off with stress and is flying back to the U.K. to recuperate."
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Perrie Edwards is seen leaving her house with an overnight bag hours after Zayn flies back into the UK - but she's still wearing her engagement ring
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Zayn's sister Waliyha, 16, urges fans to "pray" for her brother. “Don't worry guys, Zayn is going to be okay very soon,” she wrote. “All the stress has just gotten to him because of the rumours and hatred he has heard and received."
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Liam Payne infuriates fans by tweeting a photo of the band with "missing" Zayn...
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Zayn quits the band on 25 March. A statement reads: "My life with One Direction has been more than I could ever have imagined. But, after five years, I feel like it is now the right time for me to leave the band. I'd like to apologise to the fans if I've let anyone down, but I have to do what feels right in my heart."
And a million Directioners' hearts break.