LONDON -- Twitter had palpitations overnight after several entertainment sites tweeted that Niall was leaving One Direction.
Just as Directioners began to brace themselves for heartbreaking national helplines, it was revealed that the news was a hoax sparked by two hacked Twitter accounts.
So while we were fast asleep, it turns out some dickhead hacked our account. VERY sorry for any heart attacks caused. pic.twitter.com/m8WUQ72EyU
— Sugarscape (@sugarscape) December 29, 2014
Morning everyone. Just so you know, Niall Horan isn't in fact leaving 1D, our account was hacked last night. We repeat, Niall isn't leaving.
— Yahoo Celebrity UK (@YahooCelebUK) December 29, 2014
Despite the false rumors, the hashtag #reasonsniallleftonedirection had already gained traction and hit the top trending list in the UK for much of Monday.
These are a few of the more inventive reasons fans suggested for his "departure" from the band.
To learn some parenting skills.
#reasonsniallleftonedirection to learn how to hold a baby properly pic.twitter.com/60FRncyGcG
— b. | please harry :( (@alltimeharryx) December 29, 2014
Because no one ever tells him the proper dress code.
#reasonsniallleftonedirection series "let's all wear matching outfits and don't tell Niall" pic.twitter.com/tUU0c8LZko
— b. | please harry :( (@alltimeharryx) December 29, 2014
"let us all wear black & not tell Niall" "let us all wear formals & not tell Niall" #reasonsniallleftonedirection pic.twitter.com/Sg3b0x95lR
— shaily loves niall (@persuadingniall) December 29, 2014
Because of artistic differences.
he's disappointed bc they didnt call the band "niall and the potatoes" #reasonsniallleftonedirection pic.twitter.com/WVayZoUhrp
— My Boys (@1Dfan_5sosfam) December 29, 2014
Because of this.
#reasonsniallleftonedirection he wanted to be closer with his sisters pic.twitter.com/ZyhDkfaMlG
— nat (@arktichealy) December 29, 2014
And this.
BECAUSE NIALL IS SO SCARED OF OUR FANDOM PHOTOSHOP SKILLS #reasonsniallleftonedirection pic.twitter.com/XzYwY5RHIr
— One Direction (@1DsUniverse) December 29, 2014
Because he didn't get a selfie stick for Christmas.
HE'S DONE WITH TAKING THE GROUP SELFIES ALL THE TIME #reasonsniallleftonedirection #ArtistOfTheYearHMA One Direction pic.twitter.com/7E2q3Zdd6D
— Dee // 87 (@Ziamshoodies) December 29, 2014
Or maybe because he's always left out of selfies.
#reasonsniallleftonedirection the interviewer didnt let him take the group selfie pic.twitter.com/K1bbkCHIuU
— Niall Updates (@Niall_Updatess) December 29, 2014