A Netflix documentary series featuring former One Direction members Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik has been cancelled following an alleged physical altercation between the two during filming, according to multiple reports. The Sun reported that Tomlinson was allegedly punched by Malik during filming for the Netflix docuseries, which was set to explore the lives and careers of the two singers. The altercation reportedly left Tomlinson needing treatment for a concussion and a cut to his head. According to a source cited by The Sun, the incident was triggered by Malik making a derogatory comment about Tomlinson's late mother, Johannah Tomlinson, who died of leukaemia in December 2016. The series has since been scrapped, with Netflix reportedly deciding last month to cancel the project when it became clear the pair could not reconcile.
Social media activity has reflected the fallout. Tomlinson has unfollowed Malik on Instagram, though he still follows former bandmates Harry Styles, Niall Horan, and the late Liam Payne. Malik, who follows only 17 accounts, has not unfollowed Tomlinson. Niall Horan attended Tomlinson's concert in Paris, a gesture widely interpreted as showing support for Tomlinson. Neither Tomlinson nor Malik has publicly addressed the allegations, and the exact trigger of the altercation remains unclear.
The documentary was first reported in October last year, with episodes planned to cover fame, personal lives, fatherhood, and careers. Tomlinson and Malik met on The X Factor in 2010 and were grouped into One Direction by Simon Cowell, alongside Harry Styles, Niall Horan, and Liam Payne. The band operated for five years until 2015, when Malik left under acrimonious circumstances. Liam Payne died in October at age 31 after falling from a hotel balcony.
And there goes the last year of work.
Series director Nicola Marsh seemingly confirmed the cancellation on Instagram, posting: 'And there goes the last year of work.' The Independent reported that her post indicated the project's demise. Netflix has not issued an official statement, but sources said the streaming giant decided to scrap the documentary when it seemed the pair could not reconcile. The status of any footage already shot remains unknown.
Zayn Malik has faced recent health issues. He was hospitalized for an undisclosed illness and postponed a One Night Only show in Kingston, London on April 13. Malik thanked fans and hospital staff for their support in a social media post. He is scheduled to begin his world tour at the AO Arena in Manchester on 12 May. According to Daily Mirror - 3am Showbiz, Malik described learning to control his 'brash arrogance' and handle conflict better, though the timing of this statement relative to the alleged altercation is unclear.
Louis Tomlinson is currently on tour and will play his first UK date at the Co-Op Live arena in Manchester on 24 April. His mother's death from leukaemia in 2016 has been a significant personal event, and the alleged derogatory comment about her is said to have sparked the altercation. The exact nature of the comment has not been confirmed.
Several unknowns remain. The specific trigger of the altercation has not been independently verified, and it is unclear whether Malik and Tomlinson have communicated since the incident. The undisclosed illness that led to Malik's hospitalization has not been identified. Whether the Netflix docuseries will ever be released or is permanently cancelled has not been officially confirmed, though reports indicate it has been scrapped. The current status of the relationship between the former bandmates also remains unclear.