Zayn Malik has a message for anyone questioning his support for Palestine: check the date.
The former One Direction star resurfaced a post he made more than a decade ago amid renewed discussion surrounding celebrities speaking publicly about the conflict in Gaza. Malik shared a screenshot of his original July 2014 X post, which simply read '#FreePalestine.' Alongside the old post, he wrote: 'This is for any confused individuals... check the date.'
Zayn Malik First Spoke Out in 2014
The singer's reminder comes amid renewed debate over celebrities speaking publicly about Palestine, following controversy surrounding rapper Macklemore and his removal from the remaining US dates of Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour.
Malik's post makes clear that his public support for Palestine dates back years before the latest wave of discussion surrounding musicians speaking about Gaza.
— zayn (@zaynmalik) July 28, 2014
At the time, the post drew a huge response from fans around the world, with some thanking the singer for showing support for Palestinians. However, Malik also faced backlash, including abusive messages and death threats from some social media users. Contemporary reports documented threats against the singer after he shared the post.
Despite the reaction, Malik did not remove the message, leaving it online. The post was made during the 2014 Gaza war, when Israel and Hamas were engaged in a major conflict. More than a decade later, fans are once again highlighting Malik's original message, with several commenters on X praising the singer for having expressed his support for Palestine long before the current celebrity debate.
One commenter described Malik as having been 'always on the right side of history,' while another highlighted that his support dated back to 2014.
Malik Reiterated His Support Years Later
The 2014 post was also not the last time Malik publicly expressed support for Palestinians. In May 2021, amid another major escalation of violence between Israel and Palestinian militant groups, Malik wrote that he stood with the Palestinian people while expressing concern for families and children affected by the conflict.
He again ended his message with 'Free Palestine.'
That history is now being highlighted by fans following Malik's latest post, with some pointing out that his position was established long before the current discussion about musicians using their platforms to speak about Gaza.
Zayn Malik reshares his 2014 post calling for a free Palestine. pic.twitter.com/uuvhenl4DK
— Pop Base (@PopBase) October 4, 2026
Zayn's Message Comes Amid Fresh Debate Over Palestine
The latest controversy surrounding Macklemore has brought the issue back into the entertainment spotlight. Macklemore was removed from the remaining US dates of Sheeran's Loop Tour in September after making pro-Palestinian remarks during his opening performances, including calling for a 'Free Palestine.'
The decision came after Macklemore's 4 September appearance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where he made the remarks during his performance. Tour promoter Messina Touring Group later said that multiple venues would not allow Macklemore to perform.
Macklemore subsequently announced his own Free Palestine Tour, with the rapper saying proceeds from the shows would benefit organisations supporting Palestinians.
Macklemore’s ‘Free Palestine’ concerts have sold out. pic.twitter.com/c6wDkaEaAb
— Pop Base (@PopBase) September 30, 2026
Against that backdrop, Malik's decision to resurface a post from 2014 appears to be a reminder that his support for Palestine is nothing new.
And for those who may have forgotten, his message is simple: 'Check the date.'
