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Former One Direction star Louis Tomlinson has announced he is leaving social media platform X after saying relentless speculation about his private life has become too much to bear.
The 32-year-old singer, who shot to fame with 1D in 2010, took to the site on Monday to explain his decision, citing what he called “conspiracy chat” about his family and relationships that he finds deeply hurtful.
Louis has been in the headlines recently thanks to his blossoming romance with Love Island and Strictly Come Dancing star Zara McDermott, 27. The pair went public earlier this year following Zara’s split from Made in Chelsea’s Sam Thompson.
Louis says he’s fed up with online trolls targeting his family and relationship . Credit: Instagram/@louist91
But some corners of social media have been full of wild speculation about their relationship, as well as inappropriate comments about his eight-year-old son Freddie, whom Louis shares with ex-girlfriend Briana Jungwirth, and even his late mother Johannah Deakin, who tragically died of leukaemia in 2016 at the age of just 43.
In a heartfelt post to his 35 million followers, Louis wrote:
“The last few months have made it impossible to be on here. All the conspiracy chat about my relationship, my son or even stretching sometimes to opinions on my Mum. It’s just too much and too hurtful for me to see! Thank you to everyone who always has my back!”
The post was met with an outpouring of support from fans, many of whom urged him to prioritise his mental health over the negativity online.
One fan replied: “We love you, Louis. Take all the time you need to protect your heart. People forget you’re human.” Another said: “Social media can be cruel, but we’re behind you 100%.”
Louis’s decision to leave X comes just days after Zara was spotted showing her support at his sold-out concert in Zurich, proving the couple’s relationship is still going strong despite the online noise.
Tomlinson has previously been candid about his struggles with fame and grief, telling The Guardian in 2023 that he “doesn’t always find it easy to be in the public eye” but values the bond he has with his fans.
He continues to tour and work on new music following the release of his second solo album Faith in the Future, which debuted at No. 1 in the UK last year.
While it remains to be seen whether Louis will return to X in the future, for now it seems he’s prioritising his wellbeing, and his message serves as a reminder of the toll social media can take, even on the biggest stars.
