Liam Payne And join owner Experience a series of ups and downs over the years.

Both musicians were Thurst into the spotlight as well as Harry Styles, Neil Horan And Louis Tomlinson during The X Factor Formed in 2010 one direction. After releasing four albums as a group, Malik announced his departure from the boy band in March 2015.

"He had to do what he had to do, for himself," Payne said of Malik in a May 2015 interview. “It's okay. We're going to keep doing what we're doing. We wish him all the best with whatever he goes on and stuff. We'll just have to see what happens."

The boy band continued without an owner. Publishing another record before their December 2015 hiatus.

as one direction They went their separate ways and the guys kicked off Their single effort, pain (who died at the age of 31 October 2024) provided insight into some of the band's dynamics, including his relationship with Malik.

Keep scrolling to see the ups and downs of Payne and Malik over the years:

no bad blood

In 2017, Payne said that all was "good and well" with Malik, despite negative comments about the "Pillowtalk" singer's being in the group.

"If he feels hurt and insulted which I don't really understand, then that's his fault so there we go," Payne shared on "The Dan Wootton Interview" podcast at the time. “It is very sad Because one direction We had a wonderful, wonderful time of our lives."

Subtle shadows towards the owner

"Zion makes music, but he doesn't really perform," Payne says "Killing It" Podcast In April 2020. "For him, he had such performance anxiety that he couldn't get his head around it."

Payne recalls seeing Malik's "really cool" first solo performance after leaving the group.

"I think he's just kind of happy," Payne surmised. “He likes to go into the studio, make music, he doesn't want to do whatever happens after that. But he's streaming massively."

TikTok poke fun

In September 2021, Payne posted a now-viral TikTok poking fun at Malik's departure from One Direction and asked fans to "see the funny side".

Paine is seen uttering these words: "Are we quite sure which way we are going?" He writes, "POV the meeting of Jane leaving," on the screen.

Podcast Drama

Payne acknowledged there were "many reasons" why He did not like Malik A May 2022 appearance time Logan Paulof The "Traumatic" Podcast. However, the "Strip That Down" singer said there are "many reasons" why "he'll always be by (Malik's) side".

Most notably, Payne mentions Melk's upbringing and compares their home lives while growing up.

“My parents are overly supportive to the point where it's annoying at times. Zayn had a different upbringing in that sense,” shared Payne. "You can always look at the guy where he's at and say, 'Oh, yeah, whatever, that guy ad—'. But at the end of the day, once you realize what he's done to get to that point—and he wanted to be there."

During the same interview, Payne infamously mentioned that he and his former One Direction band members "hated each other" when they were in the band. (Pain's ex-fiance Maya Henry Since then it has been published He was talking about the owner.)

"Like, coming to hate each other, it was close," he said. "There was a moment where there was an argument backstage, and one member in particular threw a wall at me."

After the comments, Malik posted a deleted video of him singing the famous riff from One Direction's "You and I," which fans took as a response.

Paine's Apology

The following month, Payne apparently addressed the podcast comments.

"I don't usually comment on these things but when it's your family it's hard to let it slide," he said Shared via X in June 2022. "They mentioned a specific incident involving Zayn that I responded to - but in retrospect maybe I didn't express myself as well as I could have."

The social media post continued: "I was saying there will always be things we don't agree on but I will always stand by him. That's family. Zayn is my brother and I will always stand by him."

Having owner support

Payne also addressed the "offensive" podcast comments In a July 2023 YouTube video.

"A lot of what I said came from the wrong place," he admitted. "I was so angry at what was happening around me and instead of looking inward I decided to look at everyone else and I just think, yeah, I took it out on everyone else, which is really wrong."

Addressing Malik by name, Payne added: “The rest of the guys really stuck by me when I needed them the most, they came to the rescue a bit. Even Zayn, which is why I sent him a little thank you online.

Still supporting each other

Payne commented on a June 2023 Instagram post that showed Malik teasing new music.

"It already sounds big," he wrote. Malik replied, saying, "Appreciate it bro, thanks for the love."

Forever in his heart

“Liam, I find myself talking out loud to you, hoping you can hear me, I can't help but selfishly think we have so many more conversations in our lives. I can't thank you enough for supporting me through the toughest times of my life,” Malik Wrote via Instagram In October 2024, one day after Payne died in Argentina. "When I lost my home as a 17-year-old kid, you were always there with a positive attitude and a reassuring smile and let me know that you were my friend and that I was loved."

Malik recalled that even though Payne was younger than him, he was "always the wiser", saying, "You were strong, opinionated and didn't give a damn about telling people wrong. Even though we butted heads a few times, I always secretly Respect you for that,” he continued.

The "Dusk Till Dawn" singer raved about Penn's musical talent, noting that he was "the most qualified in every sense." When he met Paine, he admitted that he was an "inexperienced novice". (The owner also shared a photo of their 1D day in which Both slept soundly on the road.)

Malik wrote, "I was always happy to know that no matter what happened on stage we could always count on you to steer the next ship". "I lost a brother when you left us and I can't explain to you how I want to hug you one last time and say goodbye properly and tell you that I love and respect you so much."

He concluded: “I will forever cherish all my memories with you in my heart, there are no words that justify or explain what I feel right now other than devastated. I hope that wherever you are now you are well and at peace and that you know how much you are loved. Love you bro."

Malik went on to honor Payne during a concert in November 2024. Before the encore of Malik's show, the lights flashed and a commemorative graphic was shown. "Liam Payne 1993-2024," the sign read. "Love bro ❤️." Malik's song “Stardust” played in the background.