One Direction Interrogated By Matt Lauer: Was TV Host Right To Ask About Drugs?
As previously reported by the Inquisitr, One Direction was one member short when they visited the Today show.
Zayn Malik was nowhere to be seen when the group appeared early Monday morning promote Four, their recently released album.
The remaining four soldiered on, putting on an impressive show for dedicated fans.
Unfortunately for One Direction, their album and performance was due to take a backseat to the discussion of ugly rumors.
The Today host asked where the missing member was and was given a prompt explanation by One Direction’s Liam Payne.
Malik was the victim of a “tummy bug” or the stomach flu.
Rather than let the matter drop and allow One Direction to discuss their music, Lauer decided to pursue what some consider to be a rather inappropriate line of questioning:
“Is it something more serious than just a minor illness? There have been rumors of substance abuse. What’s going on?”
Despite being visibly upset at Lauer’s interrogation, the members insisted that Zayn was just ill.
After the uncomfortable incident, the missing One Direction member opted to speak up—and he is less than happy about what happened.
Exclusive: @onedirection star @zaynmalik hits back over presenter’s drug abuse comments: http://t.co/NPci5na6zE pic.twitter.com/AjBJ4MaILM
— The Sun (@TheSunNewspaper) November 17, 2014
In an exclusive statement to the Sun, One Direction’s Zayn Malik shared his feelings about the Today show host’s line of questioning.
“I’m really angry and upset by what was said on the Today show. I was really ill at the weekend, that’s why I couldn’t fly to America.”
A source also told the Sun that the One Direction member “may have smoked a little dope” in the past, but that weed “is a completely different thing” than what Lauer was insinuating during the interview.
Although Fans of the pop group are furious on behalf of their idol, its been noted that there is some justification for voicing concern about substance abuse.
A video emerged in May which showed One Direction members Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson allegedly sharing a joint.
However, this would not explain why the questions about drug rumors was aimed at Malik alone when Tomlinson was himself was present.
Some fans believe that Matt Lauer was way out of line for not only his questions but the timing.
However, some feel band like One Direction should be held accountable about behaviors that may influence their young fan base.
What do you think: Is One Direction owed an apology over substance abuse questioning?
[Image Credit: Pop Trigger]
