Zayn Malik pulls out of Capital Summertime Ball minutes before performance

The former One Direction singer said he is battling with anxiety
Cancelled: Zayn Malik pulled out of the Capital Summertime Ball minutes before he was due on stage
Kevork Djansezian/Getty
Emma Powell11 June 2016
The Weekender

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Zayn Malik pulled out of playing Capital's Summertime Ball minutes before he was scheduled to play, saying he was suffering from the "worst anxiety".

Malik, 23, was set to perform at the annual event at Wembley Stadium on Saturday night, but disappointed fans by cancelling.

Fans were left gutted after an announcement was made less than 30 minutes before he was due to take to the stage informing them of the "bad news".

Angered fans could be heard booing as the announcement finished: "We hope you join us in wishing him well."

Some concert goers who had spent hours awaiting his performance were seen leaving.

The former One Direction singer later explained his cancellation in a lengthy Instagram post in which he opened up about the crippling anxiety he is battling with.

"Unfortunately my anxiety that has haunted me throughout the last few months around live performances has gotten the better of me," he wrote.

"With the magnitude of the event I have suffered the worst anxiety of my career.

"I cannot apologise enough but I want to be honest with everyone who has patiently waited to see me, I promise I will do my best to make this up to everybody I've let down today."

He finished: "I know those who suffer anxiety will understand and I hope those who don't can empathises with my situation."

The gig would have marked Malik's first solo UK performance since quitting One Direction last year.

One fan tweeted: "I'm really shaking. Because of madness. Tell me people are joking."

Another posted: "OMG ZAYN CANCELLED HIS PERFORMANCE."

A third posted: "Literally crying so much I'm just gonna go home now."

A Capital spokesperson said in a statement at the time: “We’re very sorry we’ve just been told that due to illness Zayn will not be performing at today’s show.

"We know everyone’s already had a great day and enjoyed the 19 other huge artists’ performances but of course we’re all gutted that Zayn’s had to pull out tonight at the last minute.

"We’re sure Zayn will let his fans know what’s happened as soon as he can and we know everyone will join us in wishing him better.”

It comes months after he cancelled his performance on Graham Norton just days before he was due to appear.

Other acts at Saturday's event included Flo Rida, Little Mix, Craig David, Ariana Grande, Sigala, Nathan Sykes and Zara Larsson among others.

Tinie Tempah closed the event and brought out Jess Glynne and Katy B as special guests.

One Direction's Zayn Malik - In pictures

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