One Direction (1D) member Zayn Malik has left the megapopular boy band after being accused of cheating on his fiancée.
A statement from the group's publicist said that Malik "is under stress" and is heading back to the U.K. from the group's overseas tour to recover.
The statement went on to say the group will "continue with their performances in Manila and Jakarta."
His departure follows the release of two photos showing him with a woman who is not his fiancée, Perrie Edwards, and which were published by the U.K.'s Daily Star and other outlets.
One of the photos shows Malik with an arm around a woman in a crop top in Phuket, Thailand.
The woman, identified as "Lauren," had the photo posted to her Instagram profile with the caption, "Partying with Zayn from One Direction last night."
The pair met at Seduction nightclub and left together, according to the Star.
Another photo shows him standing close to a woman and their hands appear to be linked. The Star identified her as the same woman from the other photograph.
The photos have fed cheating allegations on social media, though other 1D fans have stood up for Malik.
He tweeted the following in response to the photos on Wednesday.
But that wasn't the only news story that dogged Malik this week.
He and co-singer Louis Tomlinson were forced to post bonds valued at about US$5,000 (£3,300) ahead of shows in the Philippines, The Guardian reported.
Those bonds will be forfeited if either member is caught using or promoting illegal drugs while in the country.
The bonds came after a video leaked showing band members joking about a "joint" while in Peru last year, The Guardian noted.
The remaining members of One Direction will perform as a group of four for their concerts in Asia.
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