Zayn Malik Finally Reveals Why He Left One Direction

Zayn Malik is getting honest about why he wanted to leave One Direction. In his first interview in six years, the former boy band member sat down with Alex Cooper for the "Call Her Daddy" podcast and opened up about why he chose to be the first one to step away from the group in 2015 and go solo. "I don't want to go into too much detail, but there was a lot of politics going on, certain people were doing certain things, certain people didn't want to sign contracts, so I knew something was happening," he said. "I'm passive, dude, but when it comes to my music and my business, I'm serious about it and I'm competitive, so I wanted to be the first to go and do my own thing." In the candid conversation released on Wednesday, he also reflected on co-parenting his 2-year-old daughter, Khai with his ex-girlfriend, Gigi Hadid. "Co-parenting is, is good. Yeah. We have a really good relationship for Khai. She's the, you know, the main importance. So yeah it's going well," he explained. He also gushed about fatherhood and revealed that their toddler loves to sing with her dad. "I'll sing and she sings along, and she can do like good harmonies and stuff already and she's only 2 1/2 like and she harmonizes with me well and like finishes," he said. "She loves Disney movies, so we sing a lot of Disney songs together and sing like, 'You've Got A Friend In Me' and stuff. Yeah, she sings really cute." Zayn and Gigi reportedly called things quits in 2021 after an alleged argument with her mom, Yolanda Hadid, and he addressed the speculation while sitting down with the host.

0:00 - Why Zayn Malik Left One Direction
1:30 - Relationship with Gigi Hadid
2:38 - Zayn Malik on Fatherhood
3:36 - Break-Up with Gigi Hadid

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[directionsminion]

i love how he always seems to talk about khai, no matter the question. he loves her so much and it shows 💛

[jen_]

The way he is laughing and smiling now just has made my heart feel so happy. So much of happiness.

[koborikhurshid]

Leaving the band was definitely the best decision he made. Nothing comes before own health

[annika]

Zayn leaving One Direction truly has been the best decesion he ever made. His mental health always comes first and for his decesion (which I know was very hard for him to make) deserves all the respect in this world. Now he is in a better place, look how happy he is. He can finally make the music he always wanted to do. I'm just forever so proud of him! ❤ - @ZaynForHero

[makaylaserrano]

Zayn has a beautiful singing voice, and I don’t think the apple is gonna fall far from the tree with baby Khai☺️

[englishchris]

I really love the maturity and saying how now he can look back at the One Direction experience with fondness. Its completely understandable that familarity breeds comtempt and 5 years of intense closeness it was time to call it quits. He was just was the first one. The fact the other members did the same just a few months later speaks the truth. It was time for all of them to spread their wings. Gives me hope these young men might find their way back to each other.

[nehalsharma]

Zayn has always been such a kind hearted person who just likes to talk abt things he really loves ..I really admire him for that😍

[LMusicloverKi]

I really love hearing his own side of the story and he is definitely really honest with people. I love him! he is such a incredible person!

[User-khc]

He said that there was lot of politics going on and he didn't want to get into detail and other bandmates also refused to sign the contract to continue with band and he saw that band was over so he decided to quit first thinking about his music and health.
If thinking about one 's mental health and choice of music and get yourself out of toxicity is selfish then being selfish = self love which is very important.

[Directoner_tv]

Even though when he left I was very sad and a lot of people were I was still very happy that he did leave since it’s better for his health we will always be there for him💛💛

[Kathluvsbts]

Leaving one direction is the best decision he made. He wants to focus on his music, his child and he’s just a nice guy

[jamiehudson]

Honestly that’s not selfish that’s completely fair. This is his life and career

[MaggieMcflyy]

I've never hurd zayn laugh like that it makes me so happy to see that

[FORARIESONLY]

They all knew they only had one album left, Harry was getting contacted for ALL the deals. His management told him to launch solo before Harry so he could get out in front. They didn't count on the fact that he can't perform solo (has anxiety attacks) and so that stunted the exponential growth he needed

[sarwirahaman]

So glad he is in a good place and finally clarifying all that rubbish. Knew he was too sensible for all the stories being told

[imnotsure]

2011 directioners always said they'll be a great dad 🥺💖 zayn truly is

[lizsowerby]

Speaks very well, definitely think Zayn is underrated

[phanysarann]

So happy for him; he is a good man with great talent.

[PST]

For someone who was quite introvert and reserved, he comes accross very well here. Very articulate.

[kevinchy]

Quite honestly, Zayn is the reason why I liked One Direction in the first place.