Cheryl Cole, musician and his former partner Liam Paynetalks about wanting to protect their 7-year-old son Bear from the “media exploitation” he's seen since the 31-year-old singer's death.
Two days after the former One Direction star died after falling from the third floor of his hotel in Buenos Aires, Cole posted a message on Instagram on Friday (October 18) to “kindly remind everyone that we've lost a man.”
“Liam wasn't just a pop star and celebrity, he was a son, brother, uncle, dear friend and father to our 7-year-old son,” she wrote, sharing a black-and-white photo of Payne in a hug. with a newborn bear in bed. “A son who now has to face the reality that he will never see his father again.”
“What troubles my spirit the most is that one day Bear will have access to the appalling reporting and media exploitation that we've seen over the past couple of days,” the “Fight for This Love” singer continued. “It breaks me more that I can't protect him from this in his future.”
Cole and Payne dated for about two years before splitting in 2018. In March 2017, they welcomed Bear.
In addition to the countless messages of grief that have flooded social media from Payne's loved ones, colleagues and fans over the past two days, his death has also inspired much discussion about his character. Also adding to the spectacle is the fact that TMZ, one of the first outlets to report that Payne had died, shared photos showing parts of his dead body. The photos have since been taken down, but not before many people online – including Alessia Cara – slammed the post for including them in the first place.
“I implore you to consider what some of these reports serve, other than to cause further damage to everyone left behind picking up the pieces,” Cole continued in her post. “Before you leave comments or make videos, ask yourself if you would want your own child or family to read them.”
“Please give Liam what little dignity he has left after his death so he can finally rest in peace,” Cole concluded. “Thank you.”
Cole's message comes within an hour of Payne's friend, influencer Kate Cassidy, paying tribute to the late singer. “I was at a complete loss,” she wrote on Instagram Stories on Friday. “Nothing about the last few days was real.”
“Liam, my angel. You are everything,” Cassidy continued. “I want you to know that I loved you unconditionally and completely. I will continue to love you for the rest of my life.”
Payne died around 5:07 Wednesday afternoon and appeared to be alone when he fell from the balcony of his hotel room, suffering from multiple fatal injuries and bleeding, according to preliminary autopsy report. Investigators also believe she was potentially under the influence of drugs when she died, but are still awaiting further toxicology reports.
Payne's former One Direction bandmates — Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson — and Simon Cowell have since shared tributes to the performer, as have Ed Sheeran, Sir Lloyd, Camila Cabello and other musicians. “We are devastated,” said a statement from Payne's family. “Liam will live forever in our hearts and will be remembered for his kind, funny and brave soul. We are supporting each other as best we can as a family and are asking for privacy and space at this awful time.”
See Cole's post here.
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/cheryl-cole-mourns-liam-payne-son-bear-slams-exploitation-1235805536/
