Liam Payne and Zayn Malik, former members of the boy band One Direction, experienced a tumultuous relationship over the years. After Malik left the band in 2015, Payne expressed his support for Malik’s decision and wished him the best in his solo endeavors. Despite the departure, the remaining members of One Direction continued to release music before going on hiatus in 2015.
In 2017, Payne insisted that there was no bad blood between him and Malik, even though Malik had made negative comments about his time in the group. Payne acknowledged that One Direction was a significant time in all of their lives and reflected on the positive aspects of their time together as a band. However, subtle shade was thrown towards Malik in subsequent years, with Payne highlighting Malik’s struggles with performance anxiety and his reluctance to engage in certain aspects of the music industry.
In 2021, Payne posted a viral TikTok video poking fun at Malik’s departure from One Direction, showing a light-hearted approach to their past conflicts. The tensions between the two continued to surface in a 2022 podcast interview, where Payne admitted to disliking Malik for various reasons but also expressed his support for him due to their shared experiences growing up.
Following a public apology in 2022, Payne clarified his comments about Malik and emphasized their familial bond, acknowledging that disagreements are normal but ultimately expressing his support for Malik. In a YouTube video in 2023, Payne admitted that his previous remarks had come from a place of anger and apologized for not handling the situation better. He also mentioned how the other members of One Direction, including Malik, had supported him during difficult times.
Despite their rocky relationship, Payne and Malik continued to support each other publicly. Payne commented on one of Malik’s social media posts teasing new music, showing that their bond remained strong. Malik also expressed his love and respect for Payne after his untimely passing in 2024, reminiscing about their time together in One Direction and honoring Payne’s musical talents. Malik dedicated a concert to Payne and displayed a memorial graphic in his honor, expressing his deep sorrow over the loss of his friend and former bandmate.
