Contrary to previous reports, Zayn Malik is not feuding with any of his One Direction bandmates, but he is feeling overwhelmed.
Malik was photographed Friday arriving back in London after he announced his departure from the pop band's world tour and will take some time to relax with his family, according to E! Online.
"Zayn has been signed off with stress and is flying back to the U.K. to recuperate," the singer's publicist Simon Jones said Thursday.
For Malik's mental health, it was important that he "had a break" from being in the spotlight.
His 1D pals - Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson - all wish him well and hope he returns for the remainder of the shows. They are "really worried" about him and "disappointed" he is not there, especially Louis Tomlinson, whom he is closest to, an insider told People.
Malik is expected to come back in time for the band's March 28 performance in Johannesburg, South Africa, though there have been no updates if that will actually happen.
"He gets on with everyone, so this is nothing to do with a bigger problem within the band. They are all good," a source told E! News. "But Zayn is a very artistic person. He's passionate and sensitive. And he can be quite shy. Being on tour can be hard. And being under the spotlight can be difficult. When you are on the road it can be hard to turn it off. He is very close to his mom. It's good that he is able to take a breather. Ultimately he is a really lovely guy. I wouldn't read too much into this."
The 22-year-old singer has struggled with his rise to stardom since One Direction formed 5 years ago in 2010.
"He is just a kid. He wants to make music, but the spotlight that comes with it is hard. Fame is kind of catching up with all of them. It's been a grueling and intense few years and it's having a snowball effect now. Zayn would be happy with a low-key life. He has a problem with the fame-he doesn't handle the attention very well, and every so often he has a little wobble."
Malik also recently shot down rumors that he cheated on fiancée Perrie Edwards after a photo was taken of the singer looking "close" to a 1D fan.
"I'm 22 years old ... I love a girl named Perrie Edwards," he tweeted. "There's a lot of jealous f**** in this world. I'm sorry for what it looks like x."
Malik is reportedly "hurt" by the comments and is "completely in love with Perrie."
One Direction will continue to perform without Malik, and Malik will reportedly decide whether or not he will remain in the band after the tour is over.
