Zayn Malik has reportedly been dropped by his management team, Zenkai Management, who had been guiding his career since 2022. Insiders suggest the decision follows a controversy surrounding his career comeback and an alleged physical altercation with former One Direction bandmate Louis Tomlinson last year. Malik is now reportedly seeking his third manager since launching his solo career.
Sources close to the situation described Malik as a challenging individual to work with, stating that while his team had been supportive, they eventually felt they could no longer assist him. The departure of his management is seen as a significant setback for his career.
Altercation and Scrapped Netflix Show
Earlier this year, reports surfaced that Malik punched Tomlinson during the filming of a Netflix road trip show. The series, intended to explore their lives and shared memories from their time in One Direction, was reportedly canceled following the incident. While details remain unconfirmed, it is alleged that Malik made a comment about Tomlinson's late mother, which escalated into an argument and physical altercation. Tomlinson's sisters reportedly unfollowed Malik on social media following the alleged incident.
Weeks after the altercation was reported, Malik canceled several tour dates in the US and UK, citing a need to reassess his schedule after being hospitalized for an unspecified illness. It was also suggested that he was disappointed with ticket sales for some of his shows.
Malik, who left One Direction in 2015, has been attempting a career comeback, but has faced multiple challenges. He currently resides on a farm in Pennsylvania with his daughter, Khai, whom he shares with ex-girlfriend Gigi Hadid. In a previous interview, Malik described a quiet life, engaging in hobbies like wood carving and preferring to stay home when not working.