Cheryl Cole, the ex-girlfriend of Liam Payne and mother of their son Bear, has publicly condemned the media following the tragic death of the former One Direction member.
Payne, 31, passed away on October 16, after a fatal fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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In an emotional Instagram post on October 18, Cheryl shared her devastation over Payne’s untimely death.
She also expressed outrage over the insensitive media coverage. “As I try to navigate this earth-shattering event,” Cheryl wrote, “we have lost a human being … Liam was not only a pop star and celebrity, he was a son, a brother, an uncle, a dear friend and a father to our 7 year old son.”
Her message continued with a plea for decency, highlighting her concern for their young son.
“What is troubling my spirit the most,” she explained, “is that one day Bear will have access to the abhorrent reports and media exploitation we have seen in the past two days.” Cheryl’s heartbreak was palpable as she struggled with the reality that she could not shield Bear from the harshness of the media.
The singer also called upon the public to think carefully before engaging with sensationalized reports.
“I am begging you to consider what use some of these reports are serving,” she implored, emphasizing that unnecessary speculation and harmful comments only add to the grief felt by Payne’s loved ones.
Cheryl, who shared a touching photo of Payne and Bear together, asked for compassion.
“Before you leave comments or make videos, ask yourself if you would like your own child or family to read them,” she urged. Her words served as a powerful reminder that, at the heart of this tragedy, there is a family in mourning.
The former Girls Aloud singer had been in a relationship with Payne between 2016 and 2018.
Though their romance was short-lived, they remained committed to co-parenting their son Bear. Cheryl had previously spoken about Payne’s dedication as a father, praising him in interviews for being “much softer” with their son than she is.
In a 2019 interview with The Telegraph, Cheryl explained their parenting dynamic, saying:
“Liam is a great dad… he’s much softer than me. I’m the one saying, ‘Just one square of chocolate,’ but Bear is so good.”
She also remarked that despite their separation, they always focused on keeping things “settled and happy” for their son’s sake.
Payne had similarly expressed his love for fatherhood.
He called it one of the most meaningful parts of his life. In a 2022 interview with People, he shared how much he valued spending time with Bear despite his busy schedule. “I see him two times a week, three times a week sometime. And I make sure when I see him, he has 100 percent of my time.”
The pop star also reflected on how being a dad gave him perspective.
“I like to give him those moments and it’s important, he needs that in his life, he needs his dad in his life,” Payne told People. He cherished the bond he shared with Bear, adding that he was “… happy he looks at me like a superhero, and I’m hoping to keep it that way.”
In closing her message, Cheryl made a final plea for respect.
“Please give Liam the little dignity he has left in the wake of his death, to rest in some peace at last.” Her heartfelt request serves as a reminder that even in the public eye, there is a need for sensitivity and humanity.
With Payne’s passing, the spotlight is on his extraordinary life and on those left behind. As Cheryl mourns the father of her child, she has called for compassion, asking the public to consider the real people affected by the tragic loss.
