Zayn Malik is reportedly worried that footage of him allegedly punching Louis Tomlinson and talking about his friend’s late mother will be leaked.
Malik, 33, allegedly punched his former One Direction bandmate, 34, in the face while they were filming a three-part road trip in the US for Netflix in October.
He reportedly “attacked” Tomlinson and made a “derogatory” remark about Tomlinson’s mother Johannah Deakin, who died of leukaemia in 2016.
The alleged incident in Wyoming was captured on camera and could be “beyond damaging” if it was released, according to The Sun.
“The moment Zayn hit Louis and made a derogatory comment about his mum Johannah was all filmed. Zayn and Louis know footage exists and the production company has it,” a source said.
“If it became public, it could be beyond damaging for Zayn’s image.”
News of the alleged bust-up broke on Saturday, with sources telling the paper: “The lads were filming on location. Zayn started acting up and was mouthing off.
"Louis was stunned and in shock. As he went to move, Zayn then attacked him. It spiralled into a row then Zayn made a remark about Louis’ mum Johannah.
“Zayn punched him straight in the face. Because he was wearing rings it cut Louis’ head."
Malik was reportedly pulled away and Louis, who was allegedly left with a concussion, was taken for medical treatment.
It is understood the former friends have not spoken since the apparent incident six months ago.
Two of Tomlinson’s five sisters, Phoebe and Lottie, have since unfollowed Malik on Instagram.
Netflix has axed the multi-million-pound project which streaming bosses had hoped would show them bonding over shared memories of pop fame.
The director of the documentary, Nicola Marsh, shared The Sun’s report of the alleged incident on Instagram last Friday and wrote: “And there goes the last year of work.”
The Standard has contacted Netflix and representatives for Tomlinson and Malik for comment.
Last week, Malik revealed he was in hospital and “unexpectedly recovering” from an undisclosed health problem.
The same day his new album, Konnakol, was released, he posted a photo on his Instagram Story wearing a hospital gown.
“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.”
The singer continued: “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!”
