The fallout between Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson left the surrounding crew ‘stunned’ despite rising tension on set.
Recently reunited, the former One Direction bandmates had been filming a travel docuseries for Netflix, to the delight of fans.
Things took a turn when Zayn reportedly made a remark about Louis’ late mum, Johannah Deakin, who died from Leukemia in 2016.
The Pillowtalk singer, 33, ended up punching his bandmate, 34, in the face, causing cuts and a concussion and halting filming for good.
A well-placed source has now told Metro that the crew were ‘stunned’ that the row had not only broken out but come to blows.
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‘There was a really tense feeling behind the scenes of the show that something was brewing between Zayn and Louis, but the crew were stunned when the row broke out,’ they shared.
Our insider continued: ‘The decision to scrap the show has understandably left everyone involved disappointed.
‘They worked really hard for over a year in production and it feels like a complete waste of everyone’s time.’
While nothing was officially announced, it was understood that the pair had been filming a US road trip together for a Netflix show.
Fans spotted them playing darts together, surrounded by a film crew for what would have been their first project since Zayn left 1D in 2015.
The duo had seemed to be in good spirits when fans interacted with them at the bar, so it’s unclear when things turned so sour.
Sources have claimed it could be ‘beyond damaging’ for Zayn should the footage, currently in the hands of the production company, get leaked.
‘The moment Zayn hit Louis and made a derogatory comment about his mum Johannah was all filmed,’ they claimed to The Sun.
‘The series was supposed to capture a raw insight into Zayn and Louis’ relationship but this crossed a line.’
Louis’ entire family has since unfollowed Zayn on social media, with the Palaces singer reportedly coming back to the UK after the scrap.
Meanwhile, Zayn has been forced to postpone events in the UK surrounding his album launch due to an unknown health issue.
He cancelled a Q&A at Banquet Records, Kingston, posting a photo of himself in hospital and thanking cardiologists for their help.
All his events, including an appearance on Jimmy Fallon’s Tonight Show, have now been abandoned as he recovers.
Metro has reached out to Louis, Zayn and Netflix for comment.
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