Breaking News: Zayn Malik announced yesterday that he is leaving the incredibly popular boy band One Direction. After 5 years with the band Zayn said he wanted to “be a normal 22-year-old who is able to relax and have some private time.” Zayn had left the band’s world tour last week after accusations of infidelity emerged against him. Zayn is engaged to the Little Mix singer Perrie Edwards and returned to the UK from One Direction’s World Tour in Hong Kong after pictures of him with his arm around some other woman became public.

Yesterday One Direction tweeted a link to their facebook page where they released an official statement in which the band officially announced Zayn’s decision to leave the band. The band announced that there are no plans to replace Zayn and they will continue as a four-piece to finish their world tour and record their fifth album. Even Simon Cowell chimed in and said he is sad to see Zayn go but he assures fans that “Niall, Liam, Harry and Louis are hugely excited about the future of the band” despite losing Zayn.

What are your thoughts on Zayn leaving One Direction? Let us know your thoughts on twitter @mtkabreezes!