The world was confused when One Direction made an appearance on The Today Show without Zayn Malik on Monday morning.
Concerned Directioners were going crazy on social media, asking where in the world the raven-haired crooner was.
So Matt Lauer thought it would be appropriate to take the questioning one step further, by asking if Zayn’s absence was due to drug or substance related abuse — considering it’s a topic that’s gotten the singer into trouble before!
[ Related: 1D Take The Today Show Stage WITHOUT Zayn Malik! ]
Of course Liam Payne stood up for his fellow mate, but that didn’t stop the British singer from defending himself across the pond!
[ Video: Matt Actually Asked If Zayn Was Missing Because Of Drugs! ]
Zayn was pretty upset by the veteran host’s questioning, so he decided to set the record straight!
In an interview on Tuesday, the 1D singer cleared the air:
“I’m really angry and upset by what was said on the Today show. I was really ill at the weekend, that’s why I couldn’t fly to America. I was gutted to have to miss album release day, but I’m going to be back as soon as I can. As soon as I’m feeling better I’m going to join the guys and carry on with the promotion for the album.”
Wow, Matt. How insensitive can you be to think this band member would miss one of the biggest days in his career?!
That was a pretty low blow — but good for Zayn, standing up for himself!
Feel better soon!