The cheating rumors that hounded Zayn Malik had its first casualty as the 22-year-old hottie quit One Direction reportedly to rush his wedding to fiancée Perrie Edwards.

"Zayn's found traveling and touring with the band a big drain this time round - he's seriously exhausted and wanted to let his hair down in Thailand," a source told Closer magazine.

"Now his plan has backfired and he's gutted that Perrie has been left humiliated," the source added. "He's told Perrie he'll do anything to please her and wants to stop pushing their wedding date back. He says he wants to get married this year, but Perrie is finding it hard to let go of what she's seen."

In a statement sent to different media outlets, Zayn Malik said, "My life with One Direction has been more than I could ever have imagined. But, after five years, I feel like it is now the right time for me to leave the band. I'd like to apologise to the fans if I've let anyone down, but I have to do what feels right in my heart. I am leaving because I want to be a normal 22-year-old who is able to relax and have some private time out of the spotlight."

"I know I have four friends for life in Louis, Liam, Harry and Niall. I know they will continue to be the best band in the world," he added.

The One Direction also wrote a statement on Zayn Malik's leaving the band, "We're really sad to see Zayn go, but we totally respect his decision and send him all our love for the future. The past five years have been beyond amazing, we've gone through so much together, so we will always be friends. The four of us will now continue. We're looking forward to recording the new album and seeing all the fans on the next stage of the world tour."

The about Zayn Malik cheating on Perrie Edwards started after he was snapped getting cozy with Lauren Richardson during a One Direction performance in Thailand. The Little Mix star has yet to issue a statement on whether the engagement is over or the wedding is cancelled.