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Why Zayn Malik ‘punched Louis Tomlinson’ while filming now-cancelled Netflix show

Home> Entertainment> Celebrity

Updated 08:59 20 Apr 2026 GMT+1Published 08:45 20 Apr 2026 GMT+1

Why Zayn Malik ‘punched Louis Tomlinson’ while filming now-cancelled Netflix show

While the documentary director responded on Instagram, it's alleged Zayn made a comment before 'hitting' his former bandmate

Jess Battison

Jess Battison

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One Direction fans have been on a bit of a journey lately, while Harry Styles came back with a new album, there was talks of two of his bandmates reuniting for a show.

It went viral when the rumours began in October last year that Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik were going to feature in a Netflix documentary.

While this was never officially announced, it’s said the pair would be doing a three-part series, on a road trip in the US together as they discussed their personal lives and careers in music.

This would’ve marked a major moment for fans, with Zayn having left One Direction just under a year before the band began an indefinite hiatus. But the doc has reportedly since been cancelled with it alleged that he ‘punched’ Louis during production.

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One Direction fans had been excited by the reports of the pair reuniting. (Jeff Kravitz/OneD/Getty Images)
One Direction fans had been excited by the reports of the pair reuniting. (Jeff Kravitz/OneD/Getty Images)

The Sun claims that six months ago, Zayn made a remark about his former band mate’s late mum, Johannah.

It alleges that Louis was left needing treatment for concussion and a cut to his head while they were filming in Wyoming last October, leading to the series being cancelled.

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.”

It is also claimed that both the ‘the moment Zayn hit Louis’ and the ‘derogatory comment’ were filmed.

Louis’ mum, Johannah, died of leukaemia in December 2016.

He was apparently about to react to the remark but: “Zayn then attacked him… punched him straight in the face. Because he was wearing rings, it cut Louis’ head.”

The source added that 'Louis was stunned and in shock' and that 'so many people' were present for the 'shocking' moment.

Following the reports, the director of the documentary, Nicola Marsh, reacted on Instagram on Friday (17 April). She shared the front page of The Sun to her Instagram story and wrote: “And there goes the last year of work.”

It's said footage exists of the incident. (Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)
It's said footage exists of the incident. (Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)

Neither Louis or Zayn have publicly commented on the documentary or their alleged violent confrontation.

The LADbible Group has contacted Netflix and representatives for Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik for comment.

And also on Friday, Zayn shared that he was in hospital. 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!”

Zayn did not disclose details of why he was in hospital.

Featured Image Credit: David M. Benett/Getty Images

Topics: Netflix, Celebrity News, Celebrity

Jess Battison
Jess Battison

Jess is a Senior Journalist with a love of all things pop culture. Her main interests include asking everyone in the office what they're having for tea, waiting for a new series of The Traitors and losing her voice at a Beyoncé concert. She graduated with a first in Journalism from City, University of London in 2021.

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@jessbattison_

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