Lots of broken hearts, that's what Zayn Malik caused when he announced his decision to leave One Direction. The official announcement was made Wednesday through the band's Facebook account, and follows a swirl of rumors after Malik missed One Direction's last few tour dates citing "stress."

"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," Malik said in a statement.

"I'd like to apologize 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."

The remaining four members of the global phenomenon quickly followed with a statement of their own, "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," they noted. "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."

Following the news about Malik leaving the band, more than 220 calls were made to employment law experts by U.K. workers asking for compassionate leave, The Independent reports.

Said employment law director Alan Price, "It was a situation you just couldn't make up. While I sympathize with One Direction fans, I hardly think this qualified as a compassionate leave."

"If employees feel strongly about the issue then request that they take days off as a holiday, but compassionate leave is what you allow if a close relative dies, unless the employer is unaware of family ties with Zayn Malik then I hardly think that this qualifies.

"Abusing compassionate leave is inconsiderate to fellow colleagues who may genuinely need the time off."

On that note, the 220 calls were made to Manchester-based company, Peninsula.