What makes me really sad about this interview- is that when Howard Stern said "even though you're young at that point, there's a way to conduct yourself" Harry could have easily said "mental health should come first" or "mental health is more important" instead of "I mean you said it.."
They both made it seem as if Zayn threw a tantrum and just decided to leave the band in the middle of a tour and it's only a matter of someone being unprofessional.
I wasn't expecting any better from Howard for many reasons. But Harry...
The way he handled the question at first was very diplomatic, not giving away much and polite. Which is fair enough. That's how he's always been to be honest.
But I think the problem with Harry is that he's so easily, like very, very easily influenced by whoever is around him. He absorbs their ideas and views so quickly. And here, he adapted Howards answer and ditched what he was saying and said a couple of times in different interviews.
We are so good at preaching about mental health and telling people to prioritise self-care and their wellbeing. But do we support them when they make that decision?
We are so good at asking people to be 'kind to each other' but are we doing the same?
This interview was at a time when Harry was well aware of Zayn's ED and mental struggles. So for some reason I was expecting him to be kinder or showing some sympathy.
Especially someone who claims to be "so woke" like Harry, I would expect him to be more careful when he talks about it, show some respect or support after the jokes he made.
Howard - who's pushing 70 - isn't capable of being "professional" and be respectful. He didn't "conduct himself" and chose his words carefully when talking about something someone did when they were dealing with mental health issues. But expects a 21-year-old boy to "conduct himself" rather than prioritising his mental health.
No, Zayn shouldn't have been more "professional." And he shouldn't have pushed through until the end of the tour [almost a year], risking his wellbeing because fans bought tickets.
NOTHING, EVER, should come in the way between you and prioritising your mental health. Not work, not obligations, not a billion-dollar record company overworking your soul for more money.
This narrative needs to change. People should stop guilt-tripping other people for taking care of themselves. What message is being sent for the audience here? if you're struggling mentally, ignore it until you complete all of your obligations or have no power to push through anymore?
And Harry, should have known better not to agree with such narrative. If it's not for Zayn, then just for the sake of being more consistent with the image he's trying to sell. This is why not much about harry seems genuine or authentic anymore.
I genuinely hope that he will eventually grow to find his true self. I still really like him and think he's got potential to do great things.