Zayn Malik Has Revealed The Real Reason He Left One Direction… And Fans Are Furious

Zayn Malik has taken to Twitter to explain to fans the real reason why he left One Direction, but his explanation has left a lot of them furious. The singer posted a snap to the social media site on Wednesday evening showing him signing a new deal with record company RCA Records.

pic.twitter.com/8AnmCLdU8Z

— zaynmalik (@zaynmalik) July 29, 2015

However, many believe that he used the moment to blast his former band One Direction, stating that he was looking forward to making ‘real music’.

I guess I never explained why I left , it was for this moment to be given the opportunity to show you who i really am! #realmusic #RCA !! — zaynmalik (@zaynmalik) July 29, 2015

Simon Cowell had no hard feelings though, and took to Twitter to wish him well.

We have been working on this for a while and I am pleased to say congratulations to @Zaynmalik on signing with @RCARecords

— Simon Cowell (@SimonCowell) July 29, 2015

I believe they are the perfect label for @ZaynMalik’s solo career and I am sure whatever they release together will be special. — Simon Cowell (@SimonCowell) July 29, 2015

Fans responses have been mixed, with many angry with his apparent dig at the 1D lads.

@zaynmalik the thing that I don't understand is why you said you wanted to be a "real 22 year old" then did this

— @OTRALevis (@1DCaNarry) July 30, 2015

@zaynmalik u say "real music" as if u weren't part of the biggest band in the world & won multiple awards for ur music? & played stadiums?? — ashley adores louis (@theroguelwt) July 30, 2015

@zaynmalik the fact you used the hashtag #realmusic is offensive and it really aggravates me.

— ||bre|| (@smirkinqstyles) July 30, 2015

@zaynmalik "i guess i never explained why i left" no, u didn't and this is not a valid excuse YOU LEFT MID TOUR — niki (@nicoleliannex) July 30, 2015

@zaynmalik ouch well that was a slap in the face

— ...oOR IS IT ??! ;) (@wi1dxh0ran) July 30, 2015

@zaynmalik I'm torn. on 1 hand I'm happy for u & on the other, u say real music? well 1D's music to me is real music. — Jordo || PCD!! (@nialller93) July 30, 2015

Other fans were quick to defend him though.

@theroguelwt @zaynmalik p sure he meant real as in real to him like music he genuinely enjoys making

— ️️ (@haylouwilliams) July 30, 2015

@zaynmalik i always support you, no matter what you decide to do, love you forever my dear, congrats. — إلى جانبك (@Mariann_Ma) July 30, 2015

@zaynmalik good luck on your new path, i'll be here and support you. I'm proud of you !

— ˏˋpeyˎˊ (@NlALLSDERBY) July 30, 2015

@wi1dxh0ran he meant that he just wanted to make music that was his type, real music to him haha — steph // 6 DAYS (@dawnsmgc) July 30, 2015