TODAY’S PAPER | May 22, 2026 | EPAPER

Zayn Malik targeted with water bottles after delayed Kingston appearance

Fans condemned the behaviour online and expressed concern for Zayn's safety as well as disappointment at the delays


Pop Culture & Art May 22, 2026 1 min read
Photo: Reuters

Former One Direction singer Zayn Malik was targeted with thrown water bottles during a fan event in Kingston on Thursday night, weeks after a recent health scare.

The incident took place at Circuit, in partnership with Banquet Records, where Malik previewed tracks from his new album, Konnakol, for hundreds of fans.

Videos shared online appeared to show an audience member shouting obscenities and throwing bottles as the singer exited the venue. One bottle reportedly struck a staff member instead, prompting security to intervene.

According to reports circulating on social media, Malik had arrived several hours late to the event, which appeared to frustrate some attendees before tensions escalated. Unverified claims of an arrest circulated online, although neither Malik’s representatives nor local authorities confirmed them.

Fans condemned the behaviour online and expressed concern for the singer’s safety as well as disappointment at the delays. One attendee wrote, “I was disappointed that Zayn was late but actually attacking him is crazy".

Another fan posted, “First public appearance since being hospitalised, showed up late, debuted a face tattoo, did 6/7, got a snow leopard plush, got attacked and walked it off, Zayn wtf.”

 

The incident comes shortly after Malik resumed public appearances following a medical issue earlier this year that led to cancelled performances

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