Entertainment

The best reactions to Zayn Malik leaving One Direction

By Lauren Moraski

Updated on: March 25, 2015 / 4:20 PM EDT / CBS News

Zayn Malik's One Direction exit announcement caused a social media stir on Wednesday -- sparking everything from tears to cheers.

Malik said in a statement that his time with One Direction "has been more than I could ever have imagined."

"But, after five years, I feel like it is now the right time for me to leave the band," he said. "I'd like to apologize to the fans if I've let anyone down, but I have to do what feels right in my heart...I am leaving because I want to be a normal 22-year-old who is able to relax and have some private time out of the spotlight."

Social media was abuzz Wednesday with posts from celebrities, Directioners and non-fans alike. See some of the best reactions to Malik's departure:

#vigil #AlwaysInOurHeartsZaynMalik #PleaseZaynBackForUs #WeStillLoveYouZayn

A photo posted by Courtney Act (@courtneyact) on Mar 25, 2015 at 10:56am PDT

3-25-15 Our beloved Zayn has offically left the band. I understand now why. But i just cant cope with it. We all can agree that fake fans made him do this. Acussing him of CHEATING and putting so much stress on him. Its now that we see who the true fans are. We tried to save our boy but he just slipped right out of our hands. We will miss you so much Zayn. And we hope you change your mind and come back to see all the fans who stuck up for you. 😢😢😢😢❤❤❤❤ #SMOKEFREE1D #onedirection #niallhoran #liampayne #harrystyles #zaynmalik #louistomlinson #joshdevine #nosh #1d #5secondsofsummer #michaelclifford #ashtonirwin #calumhood #lukehemmings #5sos #alltimelow #blink182 #bvb #blackveilbrides #ptv #piercetheveil #1Dheretostay

A photo posted by WE MISS YOU ZAYN😭❤ (@innocenthoran) on Mar 25, 2015 at 12:10pm PDT

harry choked up at the last concert and zayn cried at his last show and we didnt think anything of it im so angry

A photo posted by katie 💦 (@alldaystylinson) on Mar 25, 2015 at 12:10pm PDT

#alwaysinourhearts #alwaysinourheartszaynmalik #zaynmalik #onedirectionwillneverbethesame #onedirection #broken 😭💔🌹🌹🌹

A photo posted by @comebackmrmalik on Mar 25, 2015 at 12:07pm PDT

😭😭 #onedirection #followpls #otratour #directioner #Payno #hazza #forever1d #tommo #djmalik #zaynisgone #1dbreakup #harrystyles #niallhoran #1dfamily #louistomlinson #liampayne #zaynmalik #1dedits #nialler #1dfunnypics #funny1d #alwaysinourheartszaynmalik #staystrong1d #alwaysinourheartszayn #fangirlslife #f4f #follow4follow #wewillalwaysbehereforourboys1d #1ddrama

A photo posted by 1D Family 👫👫👫 (@paynoslays) on Mar 25, 2015 at 12:06pm PDT

Indifferent. “@melliegrants: @JoshMalina how do you feel about zayn leaving one direction”
— Joshua Malina (@JoshMalina) March 25, 2015

150 innocent people died in a horrific plane crash, but all you little skets talking about Zayn Malik leaving one direction
— Benny (@BENO_LDN) March 25, 2015

I just dont see how they can continue touring as "One Direction". Thats not what they are anymore
— OneDirection Updates (@CaliTracking1D) March 25, 2015

VANESSA JUST CALLED ME CRYING IN SCHOOL SHES IN A BATHROOM STALL CRYING ABOUT HOW ZAYN LEFT SHES CALLING HER MOM TO PICK HER UP I FEEL BAD
— daniella (@whitesidesayee) March 25, 2015

It could be worse. It could be Harry.
— Carina MacKenzie (@cadlymack) March 25, 2015

What will I do now that Zayn has left One Direction. My life has no meaning.
— Daddy (@Shaynneee) March 25, 2015

I always knew Zayn was the Yoko.
— ✨Christine Erickson✨ (@christerickson) March 25, 2015

Petition for @JeremyClarkson to replace @zaynmalik as one direction's 5th member
— stephy (@stephparkerr) March 25, 2015

In honor of Zayn Malik, the flags should be lowered to half staff today
— rae (@imnotrae) March 25, 2015

I get out of school and the first thing I see is ZAYN leaving one direction and now I'm crying oh
— marlena (@yoitsmarlenaa) March 25, 2015

This is painful even if you're not a Directioner. TODAY will be remembered forever. March 25th, 2015. The day Zayn left One Direction. 😔💔
— ✖️michael clifford (@selaland) March 25, 2015

Lauren Moraski

Lauren Moraski is managing editor of entertainment at CBSNews.com

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