Zayn Malik mocks Harry Styles over 'greedy' ticket prices
Zayn Malik has appeared to take a pointed swipe at former One Direction bandmate Harry Styles, making a sharp remark about “ticket prices” after Styles was slammed by fans as “greedy” and “out of touch” over the cost of his upcoming shows.
The dig comes days after Harry released pre-sale tickets for his seven-city global residency, Together, Together, triggering widespread backlash over eye-watering prices that left many fans furious and priced out.
During his Las Vegas residency at Dolby Live on Wednesday night, Zayn addressed the crowd between songs while dressed in a crisp white blazer. He joked, “Hopefully the ticket prices weren't too high... just saying.” He then quickly brushed off the comment, adding, “Anyway, who wants to hear another song.”
The remark immediately drew attention due to the stark contrast between the two stars’ ticket pricing. Harry’s London shows feature seats ranging from £44 ($60.80) to £466.24 ($642.76), standing tickets priced between £144 ($199.45) and £279 ($385.34), and VIP packages soaring from £468.85 ($646.50) up to a staggering £725 ($1,000).
In comparison, Zayn’s own Las Vegas residency tickets range from $83 (£60) to $479 (£347), with the Dolby Live theatre holding a relatively intimate capacity of 5,200 people.
Fans attempting to secure tickets for Harry’s New York dates at Madison Square Garden were greeted with a notice stating, “Tickets for this event have been priced in advance by the tour from $50 to $1,182.40, including service fees.” Reports suggest the most expensive VIP package in New York is currently priced at $1,667.
Ticket prices in Amsterdam are also steep, ranging from €74.05 ($87.79) to €828.62 ($982.38).
The spike in costs has been particularly jarring for longtime fans, as Harry’s previous residencies were significantly more affordable. His 2022 Madison Square Garden shows ranged from $39.50 to $199.50, while his sold-out Wembley Stadium run that same year started at £45 and topped out at £99.
The reaction online has been explosive, with fans accusing the singer of making his music inaccessible to the young audience that helped build his career.
One fan wrote, “This is the WORST presale experience I've ever had. I really thought I had a chance to see Harry since I was 20k in line but they sold out in 30 minutes.”
Another posted, “Hey @Harry_Styles as someone who's loved you for almost 14 years and went to all the tours, I'm at a loss for words over how much you/ur team seem to have lost touch with reality in terms of residency shows and ticket price. Music should be accessible. Remember how you started.”
Anger escalated further with harsher comments, including, “Friendly reminder that artists can disable platinum pricing, implement face value ticket exchange, have a say in their own pricing! Harry Styles you're a greedy as b**h.”
Another user added, “I can still love Harry Styles and say he's a greedy man who doesn't care about his fans as much as he appears to pretend he does.”
One particularly biting post read, “Harry Styles I want you to stand in the put and not let anyone walk in unless they hand you $1200 in cash. Look every fan in the eye and ask them for $1200.”
The backlash mirrors recent controversy surrounding Oasis, whose reunion tour ticket prices surged from £148 to over £350 due to dynamic pricing, prompting outrage and a subsequent investigation by a UK watchdog.
Despite the uproar, Harry has continued expanding his tour. He recently added two extra Wembley Stadium dates, bringing his total to 12 shows at the iconic venue. This milestone means he will surpass Coldplay, who previously held the record with 10 shows during their Music of the Spheres tour.
Taylor Swift had earlier claimed the title for most Wembley performances by a solo artist with eight shows on her Eras Tour, overtaking Michael Jackson’s record of seven.
Harry is now set to perform at Wembley on June 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 23, 26, 27, 29, and July 1, 3 and 4. His 2026 tour will also include stops in Amsterdam, São Paulo, Mexico City, New York City, Melbourne and Sydney, with an unprecedented 30 nights scheduled at Madison Square Garden alone.
As fan frustration continues to boil over, Zayn’s offhand joke has only intensified speculation of lingering tension and rivalry between the former bandmates.