Payne and the remaining members of the band took to Twitter to address Zayn Malik's departure.
After five years of taking the world by storm, One Direction was thrown into chaos on Wednesday when Zayn Malik officially quit the band.
Now, the other members of the band are picking up the pieces, and taking to Twitter to assure their fans that One Direction isn't done for.
VIDEO: Zayn Malik Officially Leaves One Direction
Band member Liam Payne wrote a lengthy post on Thursday reassuring the band’s grieving fanbase:
"In light of recent events I think this is important to say. For the past five years now I've been part of something so special I don't think any of us really understand, something that can mean the world to people and put a smile on the face of our fans even in the darkest times. To a lot of people it's just a bunch of silly kids in a band but to the people involved it means so much more. This last week has been some of the worst times, possibly the worst it's something we are all deeply saddened by. It's sad to think for the time being we won't grace the stage as five bros or have the same fun on a tour bus or laughs in a hotel together that we have over the years but I'm super sure us and Zayn will always remain the closest friends. I guess what I'm really trying to say is it's far from over. When we very 1st became successful we all agreed that one direction had become much bigger than each individual member that's why I feel like right now it's ok to be sad and upset but I do ask everyone who is a fan of us to please keep ur faith in us I'm sure there's a lot more to come all love."
In light of recent events I think this is important to say. For the past five years now I've been part of (cont) http://t.co/rkSsnCOc4W
— Liam (@Real_Liam_Payne) March 26, 2015NEWS: 22 One Direction Fans Who Are Completely Devastated About Zayn Malik Quitting
Harry Styles also addressed Malik's departure, tweeting, "All the love as always. H."
Louis Tomlinson was quick to thank the fans, and promised that the band would be producing their best album ever due to their support.
VIDEO: Watch the First Time Zayn Malik Tried to Quit One Direction
"Been a crazy couple of days but know that we are going to work harder than ever to deliver the best album we've ever made for you guys!" Tomlinson wrote, adding, "Your support has been incredible , truly incredible so thank you so much!"
Niall Horan echoed Tomlinson's sentiments, writing, "Been a mad few days and your support has been incredible as per usual ! This in turn Spurs us on to make the best music we possibly can. Put on great shows/tours for you guys.
You are the best fans in the world and you deserve nothing less from us!"
Put on great shows / tours for you guys.
You are the best fans in the world and you deserve nothing less from us!
— Niall Horan (@NiallOfficial) March 26, 2015One Direction came to prominence after appearing on the U.K. version of The X Factor. After coming in third on the show, they signed with Simon Cowell's record label Syco Records, and found fame through Cowell’s guidance and promotion. The former American Idol host also responded to the shake-up.
VIDEO: Matt Lauer Grills One Direction on Zayn Malik's Rumored Drug Abuse, Gets Booed by Fans
"I would like to say thank you to Zayn for everything he has done for One Direction," Cowell said. "Since I first met Zayn in 2010, I have grown very, very fond - and immensely proud - of him. I have seen him grow in confidence and I am truly sorry to see him leave."
Later, Cowell tweeted, "As always you the fans have shown your amazing support to all the boys. When you have great talent great things happen," and added, "Sometimes strength is not defined by numbers."
For more on Malik's exit from One Direction due to "stress," check out the video below.
