One Direction split from long-term tour manager - report
One Direction's long-term tour manager has reportedly quit his job and walked away from the pop group's promotional trip in the U.S.
Paul Higgins, who was reportedly nicknamed the group's 'Babysitter', has worked with the band since they formed in 2010, but editors at Britain's Sunday Mirror newspaper report there has been friction between Higgins and Zayn Malik in recent days.
The article suggests Higgins quit after an argument with Malik and
flew back from the U.S where the boyband is promoting new album
Four.
A source tells the publication, "There have been issues behind the
scenes for a while and they've finally come to a head leading to
Paul's relationship with the band coming to an end. In many ways he
has completely run the show while they've been on tour - they even
call him Daddy. He became a friend as well as a key part of their
management set-up. He's always been at the heart of the One
Direction team and it's hard to think of them going on tour without
him there."
The news of Higgins' departure comes in the wake of Malik's
headline-grabbing absence earlier this week (beg17Nov14). The
singer was missing from the first day of the group's promotional
trek in Florida and he flew out later to rejoin them.
His absence was blamed on a stomach bug, but questions were raised
during the group's appearance on America's Today show when host
Matt Lauer asked whether Malik is dealing substance abuse
issues.
Malik denied the allegation.