One Direction’s Zayn Malik fights drug rumours, says he was ill with ‘tummy bug’

ONE Direction’S Zayn Malik has hit back at substance abuse claims, after he missed a TV show appearance.

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ONE Direction star Zayn Malik has hit back at substance abuse claims made about him by television host Matt Lauer on the US Today show - after he failed to turn up to an appearance with his bandmates.

“I’m really angry and upset by what was said on The Today Show,” Malik told The Sun.

“I was really ill at the weekend. That’s why I couldn’t fly to America.”

Lauer interviewed One Direction on US television, and hinted that Malik’s absence was reportedly down to drugs.

Where’s Zayn?...host Matt Lauer grills One Direction about Malik’s absence as the band launches their album Four on the US Today show. Picture:

“There’s obviously a lot of concern, a lot of fans have been tweeting overnight. Is it something more serious? There have been rumors of substance abuse. What’s going on?” Lauer asked.

One Direction were together as a five-piece in London over the weekend to record the new Band Aid 30 single, but just four of them made it to a promotional appearance for their new album Four in Florida just days later.

Unwell...Zayn Malik attends the recording of the Band Aid 30 single on November 15 in London. Picture: Getty

Malik had to miss the flight with his band mates to America due to a “tummy bug” but fans were left furious with Lauer’s line of questioning.

“No, he’s just got a stomach bug. He’s okay. He’s just at home. He just needs to rest,” Liam Payne said.

The rest of the band were clearly not impressed, with Niall Horan’s only reply a rude noise.

Royal touch...Prince William greets 1D after the Royal Variety Performance in London last week. Picture: Splash News

A representative for the band said in a statement: “Zayn was taken ill after recording the Band Aid single at the weekend and was unfortunately not well enough to fly to the USA yesterday.

“He will join the band for promotion for the new album as soon as he possibly can.”

While Payne was happy to disclose that Malik had a tummy bug, their rep had earlier insisted, “We don’t comment on private medical matters.”

New album...Harry Styles performs for fans on the Today Show. Picture: Getty

Bandmates Harry Styles, Payne, Louis Tomlinson and Horan quickly took up the slack in Malick’s absence, but the hashtag #GetWellSoonZayn quickly became a worldwide trending topic on Twitter.

Show goes on...Liam Payne performs in Florida, where the band launched their new album without bandmate Zayn Malik, who was taken ill with a “tummy bug”.

Originally published as One Direction’s Zayn Malik fights drug rumours, says he was ill with ‘tummy bug’