Niall Horan has opened up about the fate of one of the most unusual gifts he ever received from his former One Direction bandmates. The 32-year-old Irish singer recently shared the story behind a life-size statue of former President Barack Obama that Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, and the late Liam Payne gave him for his 18th birthday.

During an interview with eTalk published on July 3, Horan responded to a fan's question about the memorable gift. The singer's face lit up as he recalled the surprising moment when he first discovered the statue waiting for him at home.

"For my 18th birthday, for some random strange reason that nobody knows, the boys from One Direction bought me a Barack Obama statue," Horan explained. "We came back from a trip or a tour or something like that. And I walked into my living room and there was, in the dark, a full size Barack Obama statue."

The unexpected sight initially startled the young musician, who admitted he briefly feared someone had broken into his home. The life-size figure standing in his dark living room created a moment of genuine confusion and alarm before he realized it was a gift from his bandmates.

Over time, Horan grew accustomed to having the statue around and eventually moved it to his backyard, where it remained for several years. However, the unusual decoration no longer occupies a prominent spot on his property.

These days, the Barack Obama statue sits in a storage unit, away from public view. Horan recently rediscovered the piece while sorting through old belongings, prompting him to reflect on its current condition and future.

"He needs a bit of a paint job, to be honest," Horan admitted. "I don't know if I'll be putting him in my backyard again. He kinda scared me."

The revelation comes as Horan continues his solo music career following One Direction's hiatus. The band, which formed on The X Factor in 2010, became one of the best-selling boy bands in history before going on indefinite hiatus in 2016.

Horan has since released two solo albums and established himself as a successful artist in his own right. He has also ventured into other business endeavors, including golf management, while maintaining strong connections with his former bandmates.

The story of the Obama statue has become a beloved piece of One Direction lore among fans, offering a glimpse into the close bond the group shared during their rise to global fame. Payne's recent passing has made these memories particularly poignant for both the band members and their devoted fanbase.

Horan's candid recollection demonstrates the playful dynamic that defined the group's early years. While the statue may currently be in storage, it remains a testament to the unique friendships formed during one of pop music's most successful eras.