One Direction star Liam Payne has defended making a gesture about bandmate Zayn Malik's absence from the group.

The singer was signed off from One Direction's current world tour last week due to stress.

Payne was pictured recently with fans backstage on their tour holding a One Direction banner.

However, the singer covered up Malik's face with his hand.

Payne was criticised online for appearing to make fun of his bandmate's condition.

Speaking on Twitter overnight, the singer defended the gesture, saying:

"Some people can't take a joke...Bit of banter guys chill out.

"#makinglightofasituation sorry for the laughs guys."

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Watch One Direction perform without Malik on tour below: