Liam Payne via Wikicommons
In the weeks before Payne’s death, he had received a lot of online hate and harassment due to allegations from his ex-girlfriend, Maya Henry. Henry and Payne had an on-and-off relationship from 2018-2022 and were engaged in 2020.Following their relationship, Henry took to TikTok to explain how Payne was abusive after their engagement. She also wrote a novel about a woman’s relationship with an abusive pop star, which she explained was inspired by true events (implying her relationship with Payne.)
Because Payne was in the process of being “canceled” online, many people are speculating that the fall’s cause was suicide. However, others believe it to be accidental or even foul play, considering the amount of drugs and alcohol found in Payne’s system from the toxicology test. “Those substances included “pink cocaine” – a recreational drug that typically is a mix of several drugs including methamphetamine, ketamine, MDMA and others,” according to ABC News.
The cause of death is still being investigated. However, regardless of the cause of Payne’s death, fans are devastated and mourning all around the globe. Generation Z and millennials grew up listening to One Direction, which formed in 2010, so “some Directioners compared Payne’s death to the death of John Lennon for Beatles fans,” according to NBC News.
“I was shocked to hear about Liam Payne’s death,” said sophomore Katherine Braddock, “Listening to his music with One Direction was a huge part of my childhood and teenage years. His songs meant so much to me and so many others.”
Fans worldwide have been hosting memorials for Payne by gathering together to play and sing music. Many leave flowers, pictures and candles at the memorials. Additionally, many TikTok videos memorialize Payne throughout the app with montages of him with One Direction and happy moments he shared with fans.
All members of One Direction have spoken out about Payne’s death as well offering condolences to his family and his son, Bear. One Direction member Louis Tomilson was the first to take to Instagram, leaving a long heartfelt message. Directly speaking to Payne, Tomilson said, “I want you to know that if Bear ever needs me I will be the Uncle he needs in his life and tell him stories of how amazing his dad was.”
Unfortunately, the allegations from Henry complicate the situation and make the grieving process for fans much harder. While many One Direction fans are avid supporters of believing abuse victims, Henry has received a lot of backlash for how the events transpired and is being blamed by many for Payne’s death.
Regardless of what had occurred in the relationship between Henry and Payne, fans can agree that Payne’s death came as a shock, considering his young age. While fans may not support Payne’s relationship behaviors, many are still grieving his death.
Payne will be remembered for his large role in One Direction, exceptional songwriting skills and his deep connection with the fan base. Unfortunately, one thing is for certain: if One Direction is ever to reunite, the band will be missing a beloved member.
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