Zayn Malik cancels second show in three months due to anxiety

Former One Direction star says he is not confident enough to perform at the October concert

Zayn Malik (Getty)

Zayn Malik has cancelled a concert in Dubai due to his ongoing struggles with anxiety.

The 23-year-old was scheduled to perform at the Autism Rocks Arena in the UAE city on October 7th. In a statement, Malik said he does not feel confident enough to perform at the gig.

“I’ve been working over the last three months to overcome my extreme anxiety around major live solo performances,” he said. “I feel I am making progress but I have today acknowledged that I do not feel sufficiently confident to move forward with the planned show in Dubai in October.

“I am assured that all tickets will be refunded. I am truly sorry to disappoint you […[ thank you to all my fans who support me globally.”

The Dubai show is the second concert Malik has cancelled in recent months due to his anxiety. The former member of One Direction cancelled his appearance at the Capital Summertime Ball in June, attributing it to “the worst anxiety of my career”.

At the time his girlfriend Gigi Hadid publicly supported him, writing on Twitter: “I’ve seen the battles you go through and the way you fight to get to a place that allows you to get up there for your fans. Your bravery in those times make me proud but your honesty last night proved what you’re all about, being real. Human recognises human.”

Malik is one of several young, high-profile entertainers who have recently been open and honest about their mental health issues and how that affects their careers as performers. Last week, Selena Gomez said she will be taking a career break due to the anxiety and depression she experiences as a result of her Lupus disease. On Friday, Fifth Harmony’s Camilla Cabello left the stage mid-show later telling fans it was as a result of her anxiety.