Zayn Malik Drugs? Twitter Fans React To 'Today' Host Matt Lauer Blaming Substance Abuse For One Direction NBC TV Performance Absence

In case you missed it, earlier this week One Direction performed on Today without boy band member Zayn Malik. This was a bit puzzling for host Matt Lauer who asked Liam Payne, Harry Styles, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson why the other heartthrob was, but then made matters worse by suggesting substance abuse could be involved. Fans obviously didn't appreciate this added speculation from the NBC correspondent, resulting in some Twitter outrage! Take a look at some reactions from fans below.

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"There's obviously a lot of concern, a lot of fans have been tweeting overnight," Lauer said after Liam explained that Zayn hadn't been feeling well and had to miss the performance. "There's been a lot of action on social media about him. Is it something more serious than just a minor illness? There have been rumors of substance abuse. What's going on?"

Liam again explained that Malik was just under the weather, but the damage had been done!

UPDATE: Zayn Responds to Matt Lauer - "I'm really angry and upset by what was said on the Today show."

Check out the video footage of this exchange right here:

You can also check out a performance of "Steal My Girl" (sans Zayn) right here!

Let's see how One Direction fans reacted to this drug abuse jab by Matt Lauer on Twitter:

saying zayn is addicted to drugs is like saying that Jesus is addicted to sinners just N O P E

— Harry Styles (@MyArmyOfStyles) November 18, 2014

LOOK AT HOW PISSED NIALL AND LOUIS LOOK WHEN THE INTERVIEWER ASKED WHETHER ZAYN'S IN SUBSTANCE ABUSED THEY'RE SO DONE pic.twitter.com/vkEIxRbHZQ — Night changes (@Mrsmalik_8) November 18, 2014

Dear media, Go drink some acid. Acid will help you to think before you spread rumours about Zayn when he's/was SICK. Love, 1D fans

— Harry Styles. (@17Harry_Styles) November 18, 2014

What do you think of this situation? Share your own reactions in the comments section below!