Simon Cowell has spoken out in defence of One Direction following the leak of a video showing Zayn Malik apparently smoking drugs.

The video was apparently filmed by Louis Tomlinson and shows the pair laughing and joking about the illegal nature of the substance.

Cowell said: “I’ve worked with a lot of artists who do lose the plot and do lose respect for their fans and forget who took them there, but they've never done that.

"They really do love their fans. They've been a joy to work with.”

He continued but declined to comment specifically about the incident: “They are the hardest working boys I've ever worked with. They haven't changed. They're great British exports.

“It's a private matter I don't want to go into. I hope the fans stay loyal. That's all I can say.”

Liam of the band has commented on the situation in a series of tweets over the weekend saying: “I love my boys and maybe things have gone a little sideways I apologise for that. We are only in our 20's we all do stupid things at this age.

“We all have a lot of growing up to do in an extreme circumstance I'm not making excuse but it's fact we are gunna fall short somewhere.. Hopefully we stand the test of time an get it right in the end I don't take this for granted and I’m extremely grateful to be here doing this.”

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