The Lasting Split of One Direction

By Chloe Elder ‘24
“One Direction” formed on July 23, 2010, during season seven of reality television show the “X Factor.” The band consisted of five members: Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Liam Payne and Niall Horan. During their time together, they released five albums and went on four world tours. 
Yet despite their massive success, on March 25, 2015, Malik left the band and started his solo career. Later that year, One Direction announced its hiatus, and the band officially split in January 2016. Members promised a reunion after 18 months, but when nothing happened, fans remained devastated. On One Direction’s tenth anniversary, fans hoped for a reunion. However, many wondered if it was the right decision once their poor treatment by management came to light. 

I remember how I felt when Malik left, and later when they went on hiatus. I was heartbroken, but also confused. I could not understand why they would want to split up, given their tremendous success. But as I grew older and understood the music industry better, I could not understand how they could have stayed in the band for that long.
One Direction was signed under “Modest! Management,” a company that has been called out by several of their clients for terrible mistreatment. 
After leaving the band, Malik revealed that he rarely had time to sleep or eat and that being in the band was mentally detrimental. He also faced consistent racism, as his management attempted to whitewash and conceal his Muslim identity.
The other boys were treated atrociously as well, with Styles being branded as a “womanizer” and Tomlinson as “sarcastic and mean”  by management, as well as major news sources and the public. Payne was expected to take care of the rest of the members, although he needed a caretaker too, and Horan’s confidence was destroyed by management’s tendency to shut off his microphone during concerts. 
One Direction created five albums in five years and was typically still on tour while recording. Management restricted members from seeing their families and having time to themselves.  They even were required to perform while sick. Horan needed knee surgery but was refused and had to perform with a damaged knee. 
In their solo careers, all of the former members have been extremely successful. Each member has released at least one album and has millions of loyal fans. Styles won “Best Pop Solo Performance” for “Watermelon Sugar” at the Grammys.
They have been solo for longer than they were together. They have no reason to get back together, and the lasting trauma of cruel management provides them with a good reason to stay apart. 
However, for One Direction, one of the biggest boy bands of all time, getting back together would be exceptional for all of their careers. With few expecting it, a surprising reunification would drum up immense attention. It would be an even bigger deal for Malik to rejoin, though considering he left before the split this is unlikely. 
If One Direction were to reunite, they would have to sign with better management. They, like all great artists, require freedom and the ability to express themselves how they choose. Hopefully, they will continue to create great music whether or not they come back together as a unified group.