Zayn Malik reveals he has learnt to let go of ‘brash arrogance’

Zayn Malik has admitted he has learnt how to let go of his ‘brash arrogance’ and accept he ‘isn’t always right’. 

The singer, 33, has spoken out about how he handles disagreements in a new interview, which comes days after it was reported he punched Louis Tomlinson, 34, while filming a Netflix documentary. 

Speaking on the Zach Sang Show to promote his new album Konnakol, Zayn said learning to love himself has helped him deal with opposing opinions better. 

He explained: ‘It allows you to love everybody, and not even just in a romantic relationship sense, just like friends, people that you speak to have a conversation with. They can express their ideas to you, and you’re a lot more receptive of what they’re saying.

‘You don’t always have to agree, either. Someone can have a completely different opinion to you, and that’s fine. We’re not all the same. It’s cool. Also, [some people] undervalue the ability to not be right. You don’t always have to be right.

‘I don’t know the specific moment [I realised that], but definitely in the last few years. Like, you want to be right… that brash arrogance and s**t. 

‘But as you get older, I don’t know if it’s the same for everybody, but it chills out a bit. It subsides, that inner voice.’

Zayn and Louis had signed a multi-million pound deal to travel the US where they would discuss their lives and reflect on memories from their days in the band.

But according to The Sun, the series has been scrapped after the pair got into a physical altercation – with Zayn allegedly punching Louis in the face, resulting in the singer suffering a concussion and requiring medical treatment. 

The pair have reportedly not spoken since the incident occurred six months ago.

Louis appeared to confirm his ‘feud’ with Zayn as he unfollowed his former One Direction bandmate.

Following the ‘punching’ news, Louis unfollowed Zayn on Instagram, while Zayn still has Louis as one of the 17 people he follows. 

The Daily Mail contacted Netflix, Campfire Studios, and representatives for Zayn and Louis for comment. 

Elsewhere in the interview, Zayn made some rare comments about fatherhood and how he ‘stopped looking at things negatively’. The singer co-parents his daughter Khai, five, with Gigi Hadid. 

He said: ‘When I seen her the first time was an amazing thing – when she was born and I held her in my hands. It just felt like, wow, all my s**t doesn’t really mean anything. So insignificant.

‘Look at what life is, you know? I just stopped looking at things negatively, and was like, I just want to be happy for this other human being and be a good role model for her.’ 

Zayn is preparing for his biggest solo tour ever with 31 dates worldwide.

The singer will headline arenas and stadiums across North America, South America, Mexico and the UK.

It’s a milestone step for Zayn, who cancelled previous live dates due to ‘extreme anxiety’.

The tour kicks off on 12th May 2026 at Manchester’s AO Arena, with Zayn making stops in Glasgow and Birmingham before rounding off his only European shows this year with a show at London’s The O2 on Saturday 23rd May ahead of the UK Spring Bank Holiday.

Zayn will also perform dates in Los Angeles, Mexico City, São Paulo, and more before concluding on Friday 20th November in Miami, FL at Kaseya Center.

But last week, Zayn shared a worrying hospital snap on Instagram and revealed he is ‘still recovering’ from an unknown illness.

The singer was set to appear at Circuit, Kingston at 9pm on April 13 for a special One Night Only show playing new tracks from his new album KONNAKOL.

After falling ‘sick’, concert promoter Banquet Record announced on Instagram the disappointing news that the show had to be postponed.