Finally, we know: The real reason Zayn Malik left One Direction

After the great Zayn/Louis Twitter blowup from a few weeks ago had 1D fans up in arms (for which Louis later apologized), you’d have thought that relationships had soured between Malik and his former boy banders. But during the Billboard Music Awards last Sunday, Harry, Liam, Niall, and Louis thanked their fans, families, and, yes, Zayn during a heartfelt speech while picking up the Top Duo/Group award.

CapitalFM followed up with Liam, who was the one who’d given the speech shoutout, to ask if things really were alright between the group and Zayn. In his response, Liam clarified that, despite that public Twitter tiff, the band was still very supportive and friendly with Zayn:

Going on, Liam also revealed the real reason Zayn decided to leave the group:

First off: “missus”! (Brit slang, or a confirmation that longtime GF Perrie Edwards will soon be putting a ring on it?) As for the rest of Liam’s statement: Well, we could’ve predicted that. That said, while we’re still holding out for Zayn’s musical career, it’s good to hear that both the band and its ex-member are on good terms, and that Zayn’s enjoying his (somewhat) more low profile life.

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