Zayn Malik was forced to “compromise” himself and his ambitions by remaining in One Direction for nearly five years, his manager Sarah Stennett has claimed.
Speaking in a 24-hour shadowing interview with Billboard magazine, Sarah insisted that the ex-boyband member is now free to pursue his own solo musical career – and achieve even more greatness.
“The environment he was in was all about compromise,” she told the publication.
“My job is simple: Make sure nobody gets in the way of him becoming an important artist.”
She also revealed that Zayn has recorded a brand new song, although no details have been released about when we might be able to hear it.
It comes after a strange week for Zayn – he’s been super-quiet on social media, even when ex-fiancee Perrie Edwards branded him a “bellend” in an interview about Little Mix’s new single.
Though he has changed his Twitter bio to “f**k whoever tells you no ! do you, be proud and love lots ! :)”.
Interestingly, Sarah – who also manages Iggy Azalea, who’s had her fair share of Twitter beef over the years – mostly advises her acts to steer clear of slagging people off on social media.
“When you suddenly become very famous, it’s a lot for any young person to deal with,” she told Billboard.
“Especially nowadays, when it’s hard to put your phone away. Social media is amazing, but I think there’s a lot of miscommunication by artists because of the speed of the online environment. My advice is, stay off social media.”
Wise words, eh Zayn?