Simon Cowell Apologizes for Zayn Malik Joke

Celebrity

The 'X Factor' judge took a swipe at Zayn when One Direction presented an award to him during the Music Industry Trust Awards last week.

November 9, 2015

AceShowbiz -

Simon Cowell has apologized for his awkward Zayn Malik joke. In a radio interview with New York's Fresh 102.7 FM, Simon admitted he had wronged One Direction's fans during the Music Industry Trust Awards last week.

"I just kind of thought when I was standing on stage with them, that they were back to being five, and I saw myself [being a part of] One Direction for a moment," the judge of "The X Factor" explained. "That's when I made that quip, 'Who needs Zayn?' which of course backfired hugely. So I apologize to any Zayn fans out there - it was meant as a joke."

Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Liam Payne and Louis Tomlinson presented Simon with an award in recognition of his contribution to the music industry on November 2. When accepting the award, Simon told the audience, "Just by luck I get the award I've been wanting all my life and I'm completely hammered. Guys, who misses Zayn?"

Editors' Pick

While the audience cheered at the joke, the One Direction members watched on slightly awkwardly.

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