Zayn Malik has taken to Twitter to explain to fans the real reason why he left One Direction, but his explanation has left a lot of them furious. The singer posted a snap to the social media site on Wednesday evening showing him signing a new deal with record company RCA Records.

pic.twitter.com/8AnmCLdU8Z

— zaynmalik (@zaynmalik) July 29, 2015

However, many believe that he used the moment to blast his former band One Direction, stating that he was looking forward to making ‘real music’.

I guess I never explained why I left , it was for this moment to be given the opportunity to show you who i really am! #realmusic #RCA !! — zaynmalik (@zaynmalik) July 29, 2015

Simon Cowell had no hard feelings though, and took to Twitter to wish him well.

We have been working on this for a while and I am pleased to say congratulations to @Zaynmalik on signing with @RCARecords

— Simon Cowell (@SimonCowell) July 29, 2015

I believe they are the perfect label for @ZaynMalik’s solo career and I am sure whatever they release together will be special. — Simon Cowell (@SimonCowell) July 29, 2015

Fans responses have been mixed, with many angry with his apparent dig at the 1D lads.

@zaynmalik the thing that I don't understand is why you said you wanted to be a "real 22 year old" then did this

— @OTRALevis (@1DCaNarry) July 30, 2015

@zaynmalik u say "real music" as if u weren't part of the biggest band in the world & won multiple awards for ur music? & played stadiums?? — ashley adores louis (@theroguelwt) July 30, 2015

@zaynmalik the fact you used the hashtag #realmusic is offensive and it really aggravates me.

— ||bre|| (@smirkinqstyles) July 30, 2015

@zaynmalik "i guess i never explained why i left" no, u didn't and this is not a valid excuse YOU LEFT MID TOUR — niki (@nicoleliannex) July 30, 2015

@zaynmalik ouch well that was a slap in the face

— ...oOR IS IT ??! ;) (@wi1dxh0ran) July 30, 2015

@zaynmalik I'm torn. on 1 hand I'm happy for u & on the other, u say real music? well 1D's music to me is real music. — Jordo || PCD!! (@nialller93) July 30, 2015

Other fans were quick to defend him though.

@theroguelwt @zaynmalik p sure he meant real as in real to him like music he genuinely enjoys making

— ️️ (@haylouwilliams) July 30, 2015

@zaynmalik i always support you, no matter what you decide to do, love you forever my dear, congrats. — إلى جانبك (@Mariann_Ma) July 30, 2015

@zaynmalik good luck on your new path, i'll be here and support you. I'm proud of you !

— ˏˋpeyˎˊ (@NlALLSDERBY) July 30, 2015

@wi1dxh0ran he meant that he just wanted to make music that was his type, real music to him haha — steph // 6 DAYS (@dawnsmgc) July 30, 2015