LONDON (AP) -- And then there were four: Chart-topping boy band One Direction announced Wednesday that Zayn Malik has left the group.
"We're really sad to see Zayn go, but we totally respect his decision and send him all our love for the future," the band said in a statement.
In this Nov. 23, 2014 file photo, from left, Liam Payne, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik and Harry Styles of the musical group One Direction arrive at the 42nd annual American Music Awards at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles. (John Shearer/Invision/AP)
Malik said that his time with One Direction "has been more than I could ever have imagined."
In this May 24, 2014 file photo, Zayn Malik of boy band One Direction sings during a performance, in Glasgow, Scotland. The band says Zayn Malik has left the group, confirming his departure Wednesday, March 25, 2015 in a statement. (AP/PA, Mark Runnacles, File)
"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."
One Direction, which is currently on a world tour, said it would continue with four members and would record a new album later this year.
Last week Malik flew home from a tour stop in the Philippines, citing stress.
Malik's departure from the tour came after he hit back at rumors of trouble in his relationship with fiancee Perrie Edwards of the band Little Mix.
Before his departure authorities in the Philippines imposed a $5,000 "weed bond" on Malik and fellow band member Louis Tomlinson, with the money to be forfeited if either of them was caught using or promoting illegal drugs.
A video that circulated online last year appeared to show Malik and Tomlinson smoking cannabis and joking about drug use.
The next scheduled date on One Direction's "One the Road Again" tour is in Johannesburg, South Africa on Saturday.
