Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'tragic' death Reuters
By Danielle Broadway and Catarina Demony
LONDON (Reuters) – Liam Payne's ex-partner, pop singer Cheryl, joined in mourning on Friday over the death of the One Direction band member, calling for a roadblock to protect his family at an “indescribably painful” time.
Payne, who rose to international fame with boy band One Direction, died aged 31 after falling from a third-floor hotel balcony in Buenos Aires on Wednesday, sparking tributes from fans around the world.
Cheryl Tweedy, known only by her first name, was in a relationship with Payne between 2016 and 2018 and used her statement to urge the media to remember they have a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports. .
“As I try to navigate this world-shattering event, and process my grief in this unspeakably painful time. I would like to remind everyone that we have lost someone,” he said on his Instagram account.
“What worries me most about my spirit is that one day Bhere will reach the disgusting reports and exploitation of the media that we have seen in the past two days. It breaks my heart that I will not be able to protect him from that for his future.”
It was not clear what reports he was referring to, but he asked people to “give Liam the dignity he left behind so he can finally rest in peace”.
Payne's current girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, said on Instagram that he was “totally lost” and “will continue to love you for the rest of my life”.
In the central English town of Wolverhampton, Payne's hometown, more than 100 people came to pay their respects, often singing some of his songs.
'COMPLETELY DESTROYED'
Tributes have been pouring in for Payne, who found fame at a young age, since the 31-year-old's death was reported.
The joint statement was signed by One Direction bandmates Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik and Niall Horan.
“We are very saddened by the news of Liam's passing. In time, and when everyone knows, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, we loved him so much,” said Payne's teammates.
“We will miss him dearly. We love you Liam.”
In another statement posted on Instagram on Thursday, Styles said Payne's greatest joy is making people happy.
“The years we spent together will always be among my favorite years of my life,” Styles said.
Malik also posted on Instagram about the late singer, along with a photo of them lying next to each other.
“I lost my brother when he left us and I can't explain what I can give you just to hug you one last time,” he wrote.
Along with a photo of Payne lying on the couch, Tomlinson wrote that he was lucky to have him in his life.
“I really have trouble saying goodbye,” she said.
Music star Simon Cowell, who signed One Direction to his label, posted his comments on Instagram on Friday, saying he was “really devastated” and “very hurt”.
“And I want you to know how much I love you and how much I respect you. Every tear I shed is for your memory,” she said.
Sharon Osbourne, a former judge on the TV talent show X Factor, where One Direction was founded, said on Instagram that the music industry had let Payne down, describing him as “just a kid entering one of the toughest industries in the world”.
Prosecutors in Buenos Aires said Thursday that a preliminary investigation revealed that Payne's fall from the hotel balcony occurred after he had abused drugs.
Earlier, the police said that they found the room “in a state of disrepair” when they were searching for his death, various things were smashed and medicines were scattered.
