Simon Cowell Opens Up Regarding Zayn Malik’s One Direction Exit

Simon Cowell is standing up for former One Direction member Zayn Malik.

With all the insane reports regarding Zayn and his former band-mates floating around the internet following Zayn’s exit from One Direction, it’s refreshing to see Simon Cowell back Zayn up. According to E! News, while talking with the U.K. outlet, Sugarscape, Simon backed up what Zayn’s been saying since he officially announced that he was leaving One Direction for good.

“He’s a fantastic singer. Um, look, he’s got to get his head together a little bit… He needs some time on his own, as he said, to be a normal 22-year-old, which he’s gonna have.”

For those who somehow managed to miss out on Zayn’s announcement, here is what the former One Direction member had to say, according to a previous report by the Inquisitr.

“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 apologize 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.”

According to Billboard, even though Zayn Malik has made his departure from One Direction, Simon Cowell believes that One Direction will do just fine.

“I’ve always said to all of them, the future’s bright depending on what you want to do… We’ve always hoped that One Direction would stay together for a long time and my hunch is it still will. They’re just too good for everything to stop now.”

Simon reportedly went on to say that while Zayn’s former band-mates were shocked and surprised by the news themselves, they’ve “got used to it.”

“They’re being professional and respecting the fans who turned up to see a great show — and that’s what they’re doing.”

With Simon Cowell being so supportive of Zayn’s departure from One Direction, rumor has it that Simon may be signing him as a solo artist. When the question was brought up to Simon, he simply responded with, “I can’t give anything away.”

Do you think Simon Cowell should sign Zayn Malik as a solo artist, or do you believe that could spell disaster for the remaining One Direction members?

[Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images]