One Direction Break Silence on Zayn Malik’s Departure
The remaining members of One Direction have broken their silence on Zayn Malik's departure from the band. (Psst, Directioners: We may have cried actual tears while posting the above photo. We know how hard it is to see the group sans Zayn.)
After releasing a formal statement via Facebook on Wednesday, March 25 (aka the day our souls died), Harry, Liam, Louis and Niall all expressed their feelings via Twitter late on Wednesday night and early Thursday morning (March 26).
Harry was the first band member to break his silence, writing:
Liam came next, elaborating a little on the insanity of the past 24 hours:
Louis shared his thoughts early Thursday morning, thanking fans for their support and trying to get the die-hards pumped about what the band still has in store:
And Niall updated fans as soon as they landed in South Africa, where the guys are scheduled to perform in two days (March 28) for the first time since Zayn officially left the group. OUR HEARTS.
Zayn has yet to tweet since the news broke.
While we're still desperately trying to make sense of the situation (as we listen to 1D's entire discography on repeat while softly crying to ourselves), we still support the band as they continue on as a four-piece.
"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," Zayn announced in a statement on Wednesday. "I'd like to apologize 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."
Directioners, relive all of Zayn's memorable moments in One Direction by listening to his best solos, viewing photos of his happier times with the band and sobbing over his best moments in 1D. And just in case you need some soundtrack suggestions, we recommend "Spaces" and "Don't Forget Where You Belong," you know, in case you want to torture yourself.
Forever in our hearts, Zayn.
See One Direction Through the Years