Celebrity3 min(s) read
Published 13:59 20 Apr 2026 GMT
The reason Zayn Malik allegedly punched Louis Tomlinson while filming a Netflix show has been revealed, and the project has now reportedly been canceled.
Rumours first emerged last October that the former One Direction bandmates would reunite for a three-part series for the streaming service.
The show was supposed to document Malik, 33, and Tomlinson, 34, going on a road trip across the US while opening up about their lives, careers, and experiences in the spotlight.
The project, which was never announced by Netflix, would have marked a major moment given Malik’s early departure from the group before their hiatus.
However, the show has reportedly been canceled after an alleged incident during filming in Wyoming, where the 'Pillow Talk' singer allegedly punched Tomlinson during a heated argument.
The Sun reported that tensions escalated when Malik made a comment about Tomlinson’s late mother, Johannah, who died of leukemia in December 2016.
A source claimed: "Zayn started acting up and was mouthing off. It spiralled into a row, then Zayn made a remark about Louis’ mom Johannah."
As the 'Back to You' musician reacted, the situation allegedly became violent. "Louis was stunned and in shock. As he went to move, Zayn then attacked him. Zayn punched him straight in the face," they claimed. "Because he was wearing rings it cut Louis’ head.
"He was pulled away and Louis was taken for medical treatment. He was left with a concussion. This happened outside in front of so many people. It was shocking," the source added.
Netflix reportedly decided to scrap the series last month after it reportedly became clear the pair would not reconcile.
Director Nicola Marsh, who had been working on the series, appeared to confirm the setback in a social media post.
"And there goes the last year of work," she wrote on Instagram while sharing a front page report about the incident.
The documentary had also been expected to include discussions about the death of their former bandmate Liam Payne in 2024.
Neither Malik nor Tomlinson has publicly addressed the alleged altercation, though it has been reported that Tomlinson has since unfollowed Malik on Instagram.
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On the same day the reports surfaced, the 'Dusk Till Dawn' singer revealed he had been admitted to hospital, shortly after releasing his latest album, Konnakol.
"To my fans - Thank you to all of you for your love & support now & always. Been a long week and am still unexpectedly recovering," he wrote.
"Heartbroken that I can’t see you all this week, I wouldn’t be in the place I am today without you guys and am so thankful for your understanding."
He added: "Thank you to all the incredible hospital staff of [doctors], nurses, cardiologist, management, admin and everyone who had helped along the way and continue to. You are all legends!"
The singer did not disclose the reason for his hospital stay.
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