Zayn Malik Leaving One Direction; Tour Manager Paul Higgins Also Quitting After Fight With Zayn – Reports

Malik. And if another report proves to be true as well, the said tour manager, Paul Higgins, is in good company because Zayn himself is apparently also leaving the band.

Sunday Mirror reported that Higgins, whom the tween band call “daddy” because of his close relationship with the boys, had a major clash with Zayn that prompted his decision to leave the band after four years. Higgins has been one of the boys’ closest confidants, and is a major part of their touring operations since the band was formed in 2010 at “The X Factor” UK edition.

“There have been issues behind the scenes for a while, and they’ve finally come to a head leading to Paul’s relationship with the band coming to an end,” a source told the publication, adding that the cause of their alleged row remained unclear, though it was believed to have started after 1D recorded their part on the Band Aid 30 single.

After the recorded their part, Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Liam Payne flew to the U.S. Zayn didn’t join them. NBC’s “Today Show” host Matt Lauer raised questions about Zayn’s absence in the show, saying that there were reports that it was because of his alleged “substance abuse,” which the boys denied. Zayn was later furious about the insinuation, saying he was really ill with stomach bug. According to the report, Zayn’s absence in the U.S. must have something to do with his fight with Higgins.

“In many ways he has completely run the show while they’ve been on tour – they even call him Daddy. He became a friend as well as a key part of their management set-up,” the source continued, describing Higgins as “solid as a rock” and “totally dependable.”

Another report claims that Higgins is not the only one leaving the band, but Zayn himself as well. Sunday People cited sources that allege the 21-year-old crooner wants to spend more time with his fiancée Perrie Edwards, but his commitments with the band are keeping him away from her.

“He has become increasingly disappointed with the little amount of time he can spend with Perrie,” an insider told the paper. “Unfortunately she is in a band too, they have so little time together.

“Zayn appreciates how lucky he is, but life is about family for him and he is seeing too little of his loved ones.”

Zayn and the Little Mix songstress got engaged in August 2013.