Zayn Malik reportedly released a new track last night in collaboration with Naughty Boy, touching off a Twitter spat with One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson. (Photo: Getty)
Malik dropped out of the band’s Southeast Asia tour almost two weeks ago, citing “stress.” He quit the band shortly afterward.
Zayn Malik, One Direction’s Sickly Singer, Drops Out of Tour; What Gives?
Although he said he wanted more privacy and a chance to live a more normal life, reports quickly spread that he was working on a solo career.
Then, yesterday, a new track titled “I Won’t Mind” was released by Naughty Boy, real name Shahid Khan. That prompted One Direction band member Louis Tomlinson to bitch slap the producer.
Wow @NaughtyBoyMusic you're so inconsiderate pal , seriously how fucking old are you ? Grow up ! #masterofallwisdom
— Louis Tomlinson (@Louis_Tomlinson) March 30, 2015
when ur gettin hate for some thing u didn't do, a bit of love can go a long way, that's why I retweeted, time will tell the real story guys
— Naughty Boy (@NaughtyBoyMusic) March 31, 2015
Tomlinson said Naughty Boy was being “inconsiderate,” with his own Tweet touting the collaboration in a video. Khan called it “Zaughty.”
Zayn Malik Quits One Direction, Or Was He Kicked Out Amid Tensions?
“Clearly trying to wind the finds up,” Tomlinson added. “Well you succeeded anyway. Fair play.”
Naughty Boy tweeted a link to the track along with the words “let the music do the talking. thank us later.”
He also added cryptically “time will tell the real story guys.”
The exchange added to the confusion about the exact reason Malik left the band, a move that sent One Direction fans into conniptions over the breakup.
Zayn Malik Figured Out the Problem With Boy Bands; The Boys Grow Up
Remaining band members Tomlinson, Harry Styles, Niall Horan and Liam Payne have vowed to continue as a quartet and were set to perform in South Africa.
Check out the tune below, let us know your thoughts and be sure to follow IM on Twitter for the latest developments.