Earlier this week, it was reported that One Direction will be taking a hiatus next year as the band's four members are reportedly going to pursue solo projects starting March 2016.
A source told British newspaper The Sun that Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and Liam Payne "fully deserve to have at least a year to work on their own projects." The insider added that there is no bad blood between them and that they "fully intend to get back together at some time in the future."
Following reports of the band's decision, distraught 1D fans immediately took to social media, and while many expressed their deep sadness over the news, some Directioners implied that they might resort to self-harm, according to Daily Mail.
One disturbing Twitter post read, "If 1D takes a break and splits I'm gunna kill myself," while another fan wrote, "Genuinely going to top myself if 1D split up."
On the U.K. morning show "This Morning," Daily Mail reports that fans and even concerned parents phoned in to share their sorrow over the news. One mother reportedly said that her daughters were trying to cope with the news and that although they were being brave, "there will be lots of tears and chocolate throughout the day."
The mass hysteria on social media over One Direction's decision to go on hiatus is very similar to what happened to British boy band Take That. Shortly after Robbie Williams left the popular '90s boy band, Take That continued to make music as a group of four, but after the group split up in 1996, the breakup reportedly caused a surge of teenage girls seeking professional help to deal with their sorrow.
Earlier this year, Zayn Malik left One Direction and said in his statement that he wanted to live a normal life; but last month, he signed on with record label RCA as a solo artist, and now the former 1D member is reportedly working on some new tracks. Malik's departure from the band also resulted to a chilling hashtag called "Cut4Zayn" and teenagers reportedly started posting pictures of their slashed arms and even called on others to follow their example.
On Monday, Aug. 24, Horan, Tomlinson, and Payne took to their respective Twitter accounts in an attempt to comfort their fans and clarify that they are only taking a break and not splitting up.
Horan wrote, "Ok so lots of rumours going round. We are not splitting up, but we will be taking a well-earned break at some point next year." He added that fans shouldn't worry because they "still have lots we want to achieve."
Tomlinson tweeted, "It's just a break we're not going anywhere," before adding "promise" and "don't worry."
Payne added that he was glad that everything has been cleared up and that their fans' support has been amazing, saying, "Thank you so much for everything you have done for us it's been the most amazing five years and there's so much more to come."
