Zayn Malik claps back after video of confrontation with fans goes viral: 'They are stalkers'

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND: Singer-songwriter Zayn Malik reacted after TMZ shared a viral video on Monday, May 25, showing a tense confrontation outside his hotel as a large crowd surrounded his vehicle, making it difficult for him to even open the car door while leaving the property.

The visibly frustrated singer was seen yelling as he attempted to enter the vehicle, while a female member of his entourage could also be heard trying to figure out how to get inside amid the chaos. The situation comes shortly after another unsettling incident in London, where water bottles were thrown at Malik following a public appearance.

Zayn performs at O2 Academy Leeds on November 23, 2024 in Leeds, England (Andrew Benge/Getty Images for ABA)

Zayn Malik addresses hotel chaos, responds to 'stalker' claims

Later, Malik commented under TMZ’s post regarding the confrontation at his hotel in Manchester, clarifying the situation and defending his supporters. He wrote, “Let's just get the facts straight - the fans were and always are respectful and amazing."

He further said, "the issue was the multiple fully grown men that were blocking the doors of the hotel and the car for 10 minutes not letting us or security out - they are not fans they are stalkers that show up where ever someone they want to meet is and do the same thing to everyone to try to get content."

Malik emphasized, "It is not safe and not ok and they ruin it for the real fans." The confrontation follows another alarming moment involving him earlier this week in Kingston.

In videos shared on social media, the singer is seen leaving the stage after a Q&A session at 'Banquet Records' when two water bottles were thrown toward him from a balcony inside the venue. The first bottle narrowly missed his face as he ducked to avoid being struck, while another bottle flew dangerously close moments later before security quickly escorted him outside.

Additional footage appeared to show one individual throwing both bottles while pointing and shouting toward the singer.  The episode also arrives weeks after Malik announced the cancellation of several US tour dates along with scheduled Dublin and Birmingham performances following multiple hospitalizations in April.

​Zayn Malik opens up on personal growth through ‘KONNAKOL’

Addressing fans through Instagram Stories at the time, Malik said, “To my fans: Thank you so much for all the support and love you've shown me on the album release and more importantly your love, prayers, and well wishes for my health. I've felt it, and it's meant the world."

He continued, "I've been at home recovering and I'm doing well and will be better and stronger than before.” He added, “I've had to take another look at my schedule for the months ahead and have to reduce the number of shows on the KONNAKOL tour."

Malik stated, "I want to make sure I still get out and see as many of you as I possibly can. I'm really looking forward to playing these shows for you, and I hope to see the rest of you around the world very soon.”

His fifth studio album, 'KONNAKOL,' released on April 17, 2026, has been described as a love letter to his South Asian heritage, blending R&B with traditional Indian rhythms. The album title refers to the Indian musical practice of vocally mimicking percussion instruments.

The project continues the introspective direction first explored in Malik’s previous album, 'ROOM UNDER THE STAIRS,' which focused on emotional vulnerability and personal insecurities. Through his new album, Malik further explores themes of love, avoidance, growth and personal shortcomings while presenting a deeper connection to his cultural roots.

The album opens with “Nusrat,” where Malik reflects on hardship and the impact those struggles had on relationships in his life, including his breakup with American supermodel Gigi Hadid.