Zayn Malik fires back at criticism after defending Gigi Hadid: ‘Don’t call me ignorant’

The former One Direction star said that being racist goes against his 'very existence' 
Hitting back: Zayn Malik slams trolls after defending Gigi Hadid
Pascal Le Segretain/Getty
Jennifer Ruby8 February 2017
The Weekender

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Zayn Malik has hit back at criticism after defending girlfriend Gigi Hadid, who has been accused of ‘mocking Asians’.

The British singer has slammed claims that he is ‘ignorant’, saying that being racist ‘goes against’ his existence.

“People's nerve to call me ignorant, when any chance they get I'm a terrorist!! to be a racist goes against my very existence,” he wrote on Tuesday night.

“So please don't try to educate me,” he added.

The former One Direction star faced a backlash earlier in the day after he spoke out in support of his other half.

In a video posted to her Instagram account, which has since been removed, Hadid could be seen squinting her eyes as she held up a Buddha cookie, appearing to impersonate the face.

One user questioned how she can ‘make fun’ of Asians when her boyfriend is of Pakistani descent.

“@zaynmalik being of Asian descent, how do you feel about your girlfriend making fun of Asian people?,” they tweeted.

One Direction's Zayn Malik - In pictures

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Malik wrote back, saying: “Trust me.. she likes asians ;).”

Hadid issued an apology last month after she impersonated Melania Trump at the American Music Awards.

The model was criticised for adopting the First Lady’s Slovenian accent during a skit on stage.

She later wrote on Twitter: “I too have been at the centre of a nationally televised comedy skit that poked fun at my actions, and was able to find the humour in it. I believe Melania understands show business and the way shows are written and run.”

“I apologise to anyone that I offended and only have the best wishes for our country.”

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