Did Harry Styles Shade Ex-One Direction Member Zayn Malik During His SNL Performance?
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His Opening Monologue
Former One Direction member and current pop star Harry Styles pulled double duty as host and musical guest on the November 16th episode of Saturday Night Live.
In his opening monologue, he opened up about his boy band past, saying that he was in a "man band" now. After joking about "how crazy it would be" if his former bandmates showed up (they did not), he mentioned them by name: "Niall, Liam, Louie... and Ringo," apparently shading former 1D member Zayn Malik.
Shade At Zayn Malik
Malik left One Direction in early 2015, citing musical differences. He told Rolling Stone at the time that he wasn't a fan of the band's music.
"That's not music I would listen to ...Would you listen to One Direction at a party with your girl? I wouldn't. To me, that's not an insult, that's me as a 22-year-old man.
As much as I was in that band, and I loved everything that we did, that's not music that I would listen to. I want to make music that I think is cool s---. I don't think that's too much to ask for."
One Direction released one album without Malik - "Made In The A.M." -- and then went on "extended hiatus" in August 2015.
Malik Didn't Enjoy His Time In 1D
According to Malik, he didn't enjoy his time in One Direction and said as much in a Beats 1 interview.
"I think I always wanted to go, from like the first year, really. I never really wanted to be there, like in the band. I realized the direction we were going in — mind the pun — with the music, I instantly realized it wasn't for me because I realized I couldn't put any input in."
He also explained that he "never really spoke to Harry" and that he and the rest of the band have not been close since the split, telling Billboard:
"Our relationships have definitely changed since we were in a band together, but I think that's just life. Everybody grows up — two of the guys have got kids now. But no, I don't talk to any of them, really."
They Aren't Friends
For his part, Styles expressed some hurt over Malik's opinions on the band's music, and said so in Rolling Stone.
" think it's a shame he felt that way ... but I never wish anything but luck to anyone doing what they love. If you're not enjoying something and need to do something else, you absolutely should do that. I'm glad he's doing what he likes, and good luck to him."
From the sounds of things, there's little love lost between these two, so I wouldn't hold your breath for a One Direction reunion tour any time soon.
