Zayn Malik pulled out of a gig at the Capital Summertime Ball an hour and a half before he was due to perform due to anxiety. The former One Direction band member posted a message apologising to fans, and opened up about his struggle with the disorder.
He posted the message on his Twitter and Instagram pages on Saturday, which read: "To all those people who have bene waiting to see me perform at the Capital Summertime Ball today.
Zayn cancelled the gig due to his struggles with anxiety
"I flew into the UK last night to appear in my home country in front of my family, friends, and most importantly my UK fans.
"Unfortunately my anxiety that has haunted me throughout the last few months around live performances has gotten the better of me … with the magnitude of the event, I have suffered the worst anxiety of my career. I cannot apologise enough but I want to be honest with everyone who has patiently waited to see me, I promise I will do my best to make this up to everybody I've let down today.
"I know those who suffer anxiety will understand and I hope those who don't can empathise with my situation."
The star, who shut down rumours that he had split from girlfriend Gigi Hadid after the pair were seen holding hands together on Friday, has remained out of the spotlight since messaging his fans, and retweeted a message reading: "Wish you better @zaynmalik, massive love."
The singer was seen out with girlfriend Gigi a day before he cancelled the gig
Fans of the star were quick to voice their support, with one tweeting: "Some people self-medicate their anxiety with booze/non prescribed drugs. Far braver & sensible to be like #Zayn & say "I need time out," while another wrote: "anxiety is very hard to deal with and I'm proud of Zayn for admitting it even though it majorly affects his career. I hope he gets well soon."
Capital was also supportive of the Pillowtalk singer's decision, with a spokesperson saying: "We're very sorry we’ve just been told that due to illness Zayn will not be performing at today's show.
"We're sure Zayn will let his fans know what’s happened as soon as he can and we know everyone will join us in wishing him better."