One Direction History: What Really Happened After Zayn's Departure?

It feels like ages since One Direction, one of the most popular boy bands in recent history, suddenly lost a key member. The news of Zayn Malik's departure from the group sent shockwaves throughout their devoted fan base and left many fans wondering what could have been if he had stayed.

Fast forward to six years later, and it seems like time has indeed healed some wounds for Liam Payne, one of the remaining members of One Direction who continued on without his former bandmate. During a recent interview with an entertainment outlet, Payne couldn't help but poke fun at how things played out after Malik's exit from the group.

According to sources close to the situation, two months following Malik's departure from One Direction, Liam and his fellow remaining members of the boyband (Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson) took home an award together without their former bandmate in attendance at none other than the prestigious Billboard Music Awards.

It must have been a surreal experience for Payne and his mates to be accepting such recognition without one of their own by their side. However, it seems like they managed to put aside any personal differences and still manage to give a memorable performance despite Malik's absence from the stage that night.

Over six years later, Liam revealed how difficult those early days were after Zayn left One Direction during an interview with ET Online where he opened up about their last encounter before his departure. 'I haven't spoken to him since then,' Payne confessed candidly when asked whether or not they've reconnected over the years.

Despite all this drama, however, it's clear that Liam has moved on from those tumultuous times and is now focusing more on himself rather than dwelling too much on what could have been if Zayn was still part of One Direction. Afterall life goes on as does music - especially when you're a global superstar like Liam Payne!

What do YOU think about how things turned out for One Direction after Zayn's departure? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below!

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