In the twenty-four hours since Zayn Malik confirmed his departure from One Direction, fans have been quick to share their reactions. Now two guys who have been there and done that are weighing in on the news.
Shortly after Malik’s announcement, both *NSYNC‘s Lance Bass and New Kids on the Block member Jonathan Knight showed their support for him on social media.
One Direction’s Remaining Members Break Twitter Silence After Zayn Malik’s Exit
Bass weighed in on Twitter.
#OneDirection pic.twitter.com/YmA7JV2Lmq
— Lance Bass (@LanceBass) March 26, 2015
Knight, who stepped away from NKOTB in 1994 and later admitted he suffered from panic attacks (he would later re-join the group in 2008), shared, “My heart goes out to @zaynmalik! It’s really hard being so famous so young. Takes a lot to keep living a normal life in such a crazy bubble.”
My heart goes out to @zaynmalik! It’s really hard being so famous so young. Takes a lot to keep living a normal life in such a crazy bubble
— Jonathan Knight (@JonathanRKnight) March 25, 2015
Before confirming his exit from 1D, he left their current tour, citing “stress” as the cause. On Wednesday, he released a statement in which he shared his reasons for officially leaving 1D.
“My life with One Direction has been more than I could ever have imagined. But, after five years, I feel like it is now the right time for me to leave the band. I’d like to apologise to the fans if I’ve let anyone down, but I have to do what feels right in my heart. I am leaving because I want to be a normal 22-year-old who is able to relax and have some private time out of the spotlight. I know I have four friends for life in Louis, Liam, Harry and Niall. I know they will continue to be the best band in the world.”
