Malik could not join his bandmates on the NBC show because of stomach bug, but host Matt Lauer asked the other boys if Malik's absence was related to drugs.
- Nov 18, 2014
AceShowbiz - Zayn Malik has responded to Matt Lauer's question about his alleged drug use after he failed to turn up on "Today" Monday, November 17. Speaking to The Sun, the boybander says, "I'm really angry and upset by what was said on the 'Today' show. I was really ill at the weekend. That's why I couldn't fly to America."
That morning, Malik was noticeably missing when One Direction appeared on the NBC morning show. When Lauer interviewed Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson and Niall Horan, he asked where Malik was. Payne responded, "He's got a tummy bug so he's not very well at the moment, so he couldn't make it over. We only found out this morning, so we're very sad and he is, as well, that he can't be here for our album release day. It's still going to be a really great day."
Lauer seemed dissatisfied with the answer, so he pressed the boys further, "There's been a lot of action on social media about him. Is it something more serious than just a minor illness? There have been rumors of substance abuse. What's going on?" Payne insisted his pal was okay, adding, "He's just at home, he needs to rest."
On the show, the British/Irish band performed their hits, including new single "Steal My Girl" from their latest album "FOUR" which hit the shelves on Monday.
While Malik missed the "Today" appearance, One Direction appeared full force on "Sesame Street". In the clip pre-recorded clip, the boys parody their hit song "What Makes You Beautiful" to explain "u" in the alphabet. "I love you, do you know you're so useful," they sing, "That's what makes you so useful."
"Sesame Street: One Direction What Makes U Useful":
