The Story of My Life hitmaker reveals he and a group of friends were simply trying to get back to their hotel safely on Monday (03Aug15), when he was accosted by members of the public.

Taking to Twitter.com to rant about the encounter, he wrote, "Why is it that in New York people think it's ok to swear and shout horrible things at you in the street Just because u don't feel like taking a picture because there's paparazzi chasing you and you want to get your family and friends home safe...

"One time id (sic) like to be able to see New York without being followed chased and cornered like an animal until other people get what they want".

The boy band star was in the Big Apple ahead of a performance in Central Park on Tuesday morning (04Aug15) for U.S. breakfast show Good Morning America.

One Direction are next due to take their tour to neighbouring New Jersey on Wednesday (05Aug15).