One Direction Loses A Member

One Direction is now a foursome after one of the members says he is leaving to have a "normal life."

Zayn Malik had left the group's current tour several weeks ago due to exhaustion, but now says he is done for good.

A statement on the band's Facebook page today reads,

After five incredible years Zayn Malik has decided to leave One Direction. Niall, Harry, Liam and Louis will continue as a four-piece and look forward to the forthcoming concerts of their world tour and recording their fifth album, due to be released later this year."

The rest of the guys say they are sad to see Zayn go, but respect his decision. A decision which according to a statement from Malik himself was a tough one to make. He says he leaving now feels right in his heart and adds,

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."

Simon Cowell, who signed the band, has already weighed in as well. He too released a statement saying,

I would like to say thank you to Zayn for everything he has done for One Direction. Since I first met Zayn in 2010, I have grown very, very fond -- and immensely proud -- of him. I have seen him grow in confidence and I am truly sorry to see him leave. As for One Direction, fans can rest assured that Niall, Liam, Harry and Louis are hugely excited about the future of the band."

I'm sure there are lots of emotional 1D fans out there today, but the rest of the guys in the group are carrying on already. They hit the stage in Indonesia tonight and have tour dates they plan to perform right through October 31st.