Zayn Malik found himself in hot water after a comment that seemed to target his former bandmate Harry Styles' pricey concert tickets. Insiders from the music industry have labeled Malik "jealous," suggesting his remarks stem from frustration over his own ticket sales.
“[He] is jealous,” a music industry source told Page Six. "Originally, he tried to charge expensive prices for his tickets and couldn’t, so he had to lower them, and as of last night [they were] as cheap as $20 to get in.”
The insider pointed out that Malik's Las Vegas residency at Dolby Live at Park MGM struggled to attract demand, forcing him to slash prices. "It's unfair for him to take a cheap shot at Harry, when he's doing the same as every other artist," the source added.
The former One Direction members, once known for their tight-knit camaraderie, have been rumored to be at odds since the group's breakup in 2016. Malik's recent comments have reignited those whispers, despite a brief thaw in relations when the band reunited for Liam Payne's funeral in 2024.
Styles, who has poked fun at Malik in the past, hasn’t directly responded to the latest jabs. During a 2019 "Saturday Night Live" appearance, Styles quipped about the absurdity of leaving a successful band, and even cheekily forgot Malik's name in jest.
While some see Malik's remarks as a genuine critique of Styles' "Together, Together" tour prices, others view it as light-hearted banter. During a recent Las Vegas show, Malik thanked his audience for their presence, humorously noting, "Hopefully, the ticket prices weren’t too high. Just saying."
Styles' upcoming tour, set to run from May to December 2026, has faced backlash for its high ticket costs. Fans have taken to social media to express their frustration, with some comparing the prices to their paychecks. Despite the controversy, Styles remains a major draw in the music world.
Reps for both stars have yet to comment on the situation, leaving fans to speculate. Is Zayn genuinely envious of Harry's success, or is this just a playful jab among former bandmates? Only time will tell as both artists continue to shine on their respective paths.