Zayn Malik talks reading ‘unnerving’ One Direction fan fiction

Fans often write stories depicting fictional romantic relationships between the pop group's members

Zayn Malik has spoken about what it felt like reading fan fiction written about him by fans of his former boy band One Direction.

One Direction fans are notoriously passionate, with many stories written by fans depicting fictional romantic relationships between the pop group’s members.

An extract from Malik’s new autobiography, titled Zayn, sees the star addressing these stories. He writes: “When I was still in One Direction, fans would write stories based on me and the other lads and publish them online. I’m not gonna lie, it’s pretty unnerving reading things about yourself as a character from somebody else’s imagination.”

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However, Malik goes on to say that it was “cool to see that so many fans engaged with the band on their own terms like that”.

Zayn MalikGetty Images

“It’s crazy to think that we inspired so many different stories and the opportunity for so much creativity from so many people all over the world,” he continues.

“My favourite stuff, personally, is fan art. I love seeing how many different ways people interpret my lyrics and my style, and it’s so cool that they share that with me. It’s also weirdly touching to see how many talented people out there choose to apply that talent to something connected with me and my music. It’s really humbling.”

The first published excerpt from the book detailed how his solo career allowed the 23-year-old “to sing about a subject that I hadn’t really been able to go near while I was in One Direction: sex.”

Another revealed how Malik considers The Beatles to be an important influence on his own music.

Last week, Azealia Banks published a letter of apology to Malik following their Twitter dispute earlier this year.

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“There are no words that can fully express how sorry I am,” she wrote. “Recent events have taught me the importance of taking accountability for one’s actions. I want and need to say I am sorry, I was wrong.”

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