Update: We previously reported that Zayn's sister commented on the rumors. After learning our source was not her official Instagram account, we removed the quotes.

Following the announcement that Zayn Malik is taking a break from One Direction's On the Road Again tour, a source came forward with more insight on the situation.

Despite photos that surfaced earlier this week, appearing to depict Zayn getting cozy with a woman who is not his fiancee Perrie Edwards, a source cites exhaustion as the reason for him leaving 1D's tour.

"Zayn is exhausted and just needs a break," the insider tells PEOPLE. "Out of everyone of the boys, he's the one who struggles dealing with being in the spotlight the most. He can't cope with the level of scrutiny he gets put under. He's just 22."

However, PEOPLE's source points to the photos as the root of the stress.

"It all stems from photos that hit yesterday of him with a fan which caused huge problems with his girlfriend, Perrie," the source says. "The media accused him of cheating and he exploded over it. He's had enough of the constant craziness."

We hope Zayn gets the rest he needs and can return to the On the Road Again tour soon! The singer reportedly arrived in London early Friday morning (March 20). You can see photos of him leaving Heathrow airport over on the Daily Mail.

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