‘4D stans – that is, stans of 1D without Zayn – have been mad at Zayn since 2015’ Wha?!! Lots of us loved 1D post Zayn and accepted that he left cos he wasn’t happy and good on him for taking care of himself. I don’t remember any edict that you had to pick a side? Ya I totally agree that there is definitely a category of 4D stans that fit into your description but I don’t think it’s true for the bulk of us that stayed supporting 1D? Maybe that’s not what you meant?
when I say 4D stans I’m specifically talking about the brand of fan that prefers 1d without Zayn and goes to great lengths to trash Zayn no matter what he’s doing. it might not apply to you or your fandom experience, but it exists and the majority of Ztans have encountered that attitude at one point or another. I did specifically said “it’s literally the smallest bubble of people" so no, that’s not what I meant. I’ve gotten numerous anons about Zayn/1D drama and how it’s apparently evolving since Liam decided to get candid, and I was addressing that attitude as a whole with that answer.