Azealia Banks Suspended From Twitter After Rant Against Zayn Malik

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- New York City rapper and performer Azealia Banks has been suspended from Twitter following a slew of attacks aimed at former One Direction singer Zayn Malik that were viewed as racist and/or homophobic.

According to the New York Daily News, some of the offensive tweets included language like  "the token sand n---a from 1D"  and "an offensive slur for Pakistani people."

According to Twitter's website, accounts are suspended if users "engage in abusive behavior," like sending threats, harassment or engaging in "hateful conduct."

The singer also posted a photo targeting Malik on her Instagram earlier this week, criticizing him for allegedly copying her style in a new music video.

After the announcement, Twitter users had an overwhelming response to the ban, using the hashtag #AzealiaGotSuspendedParty to show their support for the social media platform's decision.

According to the Daily News, Banks attempted to explain her view on the situation to her fans on Twitter before her account was deleted.

As of Thursday afternoon, no additional statements had been made by the singer.

Banks has been known to use her Twitter account as a platform to criticize celebrities and other public figures, targeting figures like Bill Crosby, rapper Kreayshawn and Sarah Palin.

Earlier this week, a music festival in London dropped Banks from their lineup in response to her latest rant on Malik, who is from England, the BBC reported.

It is unclear if the Twitter ban is temporary or permanent.