Zayn Malik performed to sold-out stadiums as part of One Direction, but he says that doing it alone scares him out of his wits.
Zayn was scheduled to take the stage at London’s Capital Summertime Ball on Saturday, but he canceled his appearance just hours before showtime. He issued a statement saying, “Unfortunately my anxiety that has haunted me throughout the last few months around live performances has gotten the better of me. With the magnitude of the event, I have suffered the worst anxiety of my career. I cannot apologize enough, but I want to be honest with everyone who has patiently waited to see me, I promise I will do my best to make this up to everybody I’ve let down today.”
Zayn will have some time to get over the stage fright: He’s not scheduled to perform again until an Autism Speaks benefit in Dubai on October 7th.
