"It was his idea, actually."
Louis Tomlinson has sparked fresh speculation about strained ties with Zayn Malik after largely avoiding mentioning his former One Direction bandmate in a recent interview.
The comments arrive amid reports that a planned Netflix travel series featuring the pair was quietly shelved following a disagreement during filming.
Insiders have claimed the project collapsed after a heated row last month, with allegations of a physical altercation circulating widely.
Neither Tomlinson nor Malik has publicly addressed those claims, yet fans have focused on what was left unsaid rather than what was confirmed.
Speaking to Billboard while promoting his upcoming album How Did I Get Here?, released later this month, Tomlinson reflected on his bandmates’ solo success.
Asked about the reported Netflix show, he offered only a brief acknowledgement, saying: “It was his idea, actually. I’ll give him credit for that brilliance.”
Beyond that nod, Malik was absent as Tomlinson praised Harry Styles at length for his global success.
“I always knew Harry was going to go on and do what he’s done,” Tomlinson said, calling his rise world-conquering and inevitable.
Harry has released three acclaimed solo albums, won three Grammy Awards, and is reportedly dating actress Zoe Kravitz.
Louis Tomlinson was similarly warm about Niall Horan, describing him as universally loved and applauding his touring success and strong albums.
Malik, who left One Direction in 2015, was not mentioned in relation to his solo career.
The awkward moment follows reports that the pair filmed a three-part US travel series under a multi-million-pound deal before it was shelved.
The Sun alleged the fallout occurred after a full day of filming, though no title or release date for the show was ever announced.
Despite this, Tomlinson said relationships improved after Liam Payne died in Argentina in 2024, which deeply affected the remaining members.
“We are definitely closer than we were,” he said, describing friendships that can pause for years before resuming effortlessly.
Tomlinson, now dating TV personality Zara McDermott, is believed to have discussed grief with Malik during the filming process.
The travel series was reportedly convenient for both, with Tomlinson’s son Freddie based in California.
Malik has lived in the US since 2018 and is raising daughter Khai with ex-girlfriend Gigi Hadid in Pennsylvania.
The pair first met when One Direction formed on The X Factor in 2010, following a suggestion by judge Nicole Scherzinger.
Tensions have lingered since Malik’s sudden exit in 2015, despite the two once being particularly close friends.
Louis Tomlinson previously admitted Zayn Malik’s departure hit him hardest, adding weight to fan debate about their relationship today.
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