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The director of a Netflix documentary about former One Direction members Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson has responded to reports of an alleged altercation between the two, which has seemingly caused the project to be scrapped.
Last year, it was revealed that Nicola Marsh – the director behind the Demi Lovato documentary Child Star – would steer a three-part series following Malik and Tomlinson on a road trip in the US.
As well as discussing their experiences of fame, personal lives and careers, the two musicians were expected to speak about the tragic death of their bandmate, Liam Payne, in 2024.
However, a report in The Sun claims that the series has been scrapped following an incident six months ago in which Malik, 33, allegedly punched Tomlinson, 34, after making a remark about his late mother.
A source told the publication: “Zayn started acting up and was mouthing off. It spiralled into a row, then Zayn made a remark about Louis’ mum Johannah.”
Tomlinson’s mum died of leukaemia in December 2016, aged 43.
Zayn Malik is alleged to have punched his former bandmate, Louis Tomlinson, while they were shooting a Netflix documentary together (Getty)
As Tomlinson apparently went to react to the comment, “Zayn then attacked him… punched him straight in the face. Because he was wearing rings, it cut Louis’ head.”
The source claimed that the on-set row happened outside “in front of so many people” and left Tomlinson “stunned and in shock”.
He was reportedly taken for medical treatment and had a concussion.
Netflix reportedly decided to scrap the documentary last month when it became clear that the pair would not reconcile.
The Independent has contacted Netflix and Malik and Tomlinson’s representatives for comment.
On Friday evening (17 April), Marsh shared The Sun’s front page to her Instagram story and commented: “And there goes the last year of work.”
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Director Nicola Marsh shared The Sun’s front page and remarked, There goes the last year of work’ (Instagram/Nicola Marsh)
Celebrity account Pop Base also reported that Tomlinson has unfollowed Malik on Instagram.
Netflix had not officially announced the series, but reports of it were first made in October last year.
Neither Tomlinson or Malik have commented publicly about the documentary or their alleged bust-up.
Malik was admitted to hospital on Friday, the same day he released his latest album, Konnakol.
Hours after the album became available for streaming, the 33-year-old singer shared a picture of himself in a hospital gown wearing what appears to be a blood pressure cuff on his Instagram Story. Several wires could also be seen peeking out from under his arm.
“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!”
Malik, who is set to begin his world tour at the AO Arena in Manchester on 12 May, did not share details of the condition that had prompted his hospital visit.
Tomlinson is currently on tour and will play his first UK date at the Co-Op Live arena in Manchester on 24 April, in support of his latest album, How Did I Get Here?
