Zayn Malik: His 10 Most Shocking Moments Since Leaving One Direction

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October 2, 2015 5:52PM EDT

Zayn Malik left One Direction in 2015 and since then, he’s had some pretty shocking public moments with his former bandmates. Find out more through photos here.

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Zayn Malik & Louis Tomlinson in separate photos

Zayn Malik & Louis Tomlinson in separate photos
Matt Baron/Shutterstock/Sara Jaye Weiss

Zayn Malik, more popularly and mononymously known as Zayn, is an English singer and songwriter who started out his career as a member of pop sensation boy band One Direction (1D). However, he left the group in March 2015 and started a solo music career, signing a contract with RCA Records.

Fans fell even more in love with him with his more alternative R&B sound, which can be admired through hit songs like “Pillowtalk” and “Let Me.” The former is the second track off his first studio album Mind of Mine (2016) and the latter is the first track off his second studio album Icarus Falls 2018. And these albums certainly did not do bad during their releases either. 

Naturally, Zayn became the first British male artist to debut at number one in both the UK and US, with his debut single and debut album. In addition, he has received multiple awards for his music, including an American Music Award, a Billboard Music Award, and an MTV Video Music Award.

January 27, 2020, 4:15PM
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Zayn Malik In London

Zayn Malik In London
Shutterstock

Zayn Malik and pal Naughty Boy grab a bite at the Firehouse restaurant on July 31, 2014. They had a public Twitter feud with Louis Tomlinson after Zayn’s departure from the band.

January 27, 2020, 4:15PM
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Zayn Malik With Some Of One Direction

Zayn Malik With Some Of One Direction
Broadimage/Shutterstock/Lionel Cironneau/AP

Zayn showing off a blue hairstyle during an outing. Liam, Niall, and Harry are also seen on a red carpet of an event. There was some friction between Zayn and some of the bandmates after he left the band in 2015.

January 27, 2020, 4:15PM
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Zayn Malik Performs

Zayn Malik Performs
Shutterstock/Laurentvu/Sipa

Here, Zayn rocks the stage in a classic all black look as he shows off his tats and sings his heart out. He shocked some of his fans with his various looks since he went solo. 

January 27, 2020, 4:16PM
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Zayn Malik & Perrie Edwards

Zayn Malik & Perrie Edwards
Shutterstock

Zayn Malik called off his engagement with Perrie Edwards just four months after he quit One Direction. It was a shocking moment in the fandom.

January 27, 2020, 4:16PM