One Direction's Zayn Malik News 2015: Solo Career Rumors, New Haircut and a Sex Tape?

Former One Directioner Zayn Malik attended the Asian awards with a new buzz cut and nose piercing. The Los Angeles Times suggests that Malik's new look might be his attempt to further separate himself from One Direction.

Last month, Malik, who previously donned a bouffant hairstyle, announced his decision to leave One Direction in order to be "a normal 22-year-old who is able to relax and have some private time out of the spotlight."

However since leaving the band, Malik has been rumored to be embarking on a solo career. Malik appeared on the Asian awards red carpet with his rumored solo-album producer Naughty Boy which further fueled the solo career rumors.

Despite the rumors, Malik thanked One Direction in his acceptance speech for Outstanding Contribution to Music at the Asian awards, MTV reports. Malik described his former bandmates as "the best guys" he's ever met.

"I'd like to thank my mum and dad for making me Asian," Zayne said. "I'd also like to take this moment to thank four of the best guys I've ever met whilst being in a band and doing all the amazing things that I did. The things that we did will stay with me for the rest of my life and I thank you for that."

Malik's new look and One Direction departure announcement comes on the heels of his rumored sex tape.

OK! was the first media outlet to publish a story claiming Malik's sex tape would be leaked to the public very soon, MTV reports.

"Zayn's heard there's a sex tape going around of him naked and partying. He's not sure if it's legit, but thinks there's a good chance it could be. He's going out of his mind," said an OK! source. "Zayn is panicking. He's already hanging by a thread with Perrie, and a racy video would be the end for them."

Zayn's reps have since responded to the sex tape allegations and deny that there is a tape of Zayn floated around.

"The story is completely fabricated. There's absolutely no truth to this whatsoever," Zayn's reps told Now.

OK! has since deleted the story.