Zayn Malik Opens Up About Racism in One Direction: “I Worked Hard in a White Band, and They Still Laughed at the Asian”
By Imran Malik
July 3, 2025
British-Pakistani singer Zayn Malik is once again in the headlines—this time not just for his music, but for a powerful revelation about the racism he allegedly faced while being a member of the globally successful band One Direction.
In a striking new Instagram post shared over the weekend, the 32-year-old artist gave fans a preview of an upcoming rap track in which he addresses discrimination within the industry and during his time in the band. One line has caught global attention:
“I worked hard in a white band, and they still laughed at the Asian.”
Malik, known for his soulful vocals and introspective songwriting, raps emotionally about the challenges he faced:
“Got my back against the wall so much they think I got a brick fascination…
While they concentrate on their elevation, I’ve got a round trip to the constellation…
I’m a convert to the concert, and I did that for inflation.”
Racism in the Spotlight
Malik’s lyrics hint at deeper struggles behind the pop fame—the burden of representing a minority in a space dominated by white artists, and the casual racism he claims to have endured even at the height of One Direction’s global success.
Born to a Pakistani father and a mother of English and Irish descent, Zayn was the only person of color in One Direction, a boy band formed on The X Factor UK in 2010. The band shot to fame almost instantly, becoming one of the most successful pop groups of the 2010s with hits like “What Makes You Beautiful” and “Story of My Life.”
However, Zayn left the group in 2015, citing the need to live a more normal life. Since then, he has released multiple solo albums, experimented with different genres, and largely stayed away from the media.
Personal Life and Return to Music
Malik made headlines in 2021 when he split from supermodel Gigi Hadid, the mother of his daughter Khai, now 4. Since then, he has kept a low profile, focusing on fatherhood and quietly working on music. But this new track suggests a reawakening—both musically and emotionally.
Fans are already rallying behind the singer, calling his return powerful and overdue. “He’s back,” one fan wrote. “We won.”
A Possible Reunion?
While the topic of a One Direction reunion has floated around for years, Harry Styles, 31, recently reignited hope, saying:
“I would never say never. If there was a time when we wanted to do it, I don’t see why we wouldn’t.”
An insider told Us Weekly in December 2024 that the band had even been in talks for one final reunion show, before member Liam Payne’s health scare delayed any progress.
Zayn has yet to comment on whether he would join such a reunion—but his latest track suggests that his experience in the band remains complicated, if not painful.
