Zayn Missing From One Direction Performance & Fans Freak After Substance Abuse Question

One Direction fans are extremely dedicated and are quick to defend any of the guys they feel are being treated unfairly - no matter the source or the reason. Zayn was missing from the Today Show performance this morning as the guys celebrate their 'Four' album release. The same morning Matt Lauer asked about the rumors of substance abuse. The. Fans. Went. Crazy!

Comments like, “God forbid Zayn was struggling with substance abuse did this guy think the boys would admit and talk about such a serious issue on live tv?” and "don’t ask zayn if he has a substance abuse problem ask yourself why your hairline starts in the middle of your head" were instantly tweeted out in response to Lauer's questioning.

The interview started with Lauer asking, “Let’s start with the obvious. Where’s Zayn?”

Liam responded that Malik had a “tummy bug so he’s not very well,” and went on to say, “We only found out this morning so we’re really sad, he is as well, that he can’t be here for our album release.”

Then came the question fans are all up in arms about where Lauer says, “Liam, there’s obviously a lot of concern, a lot of fans have been tweeting overnight, there’s been a lot of action on social media about him. Is it something more serious than just a minor illness? There have been rumors of substance abuse. What’s going on?”

While I believe the guys, what would happen if Zayn really was struggling with something other than a stomach bug?