Cheryl Cole, mother of Liam Payne’s son, criticizes ‘media exploitation’ of the singer’s death

Singer Cheryl Cole, mother of Liam Payne’s only child, shared a statement about the death of the former One Direction singer this Friday (18).

In an Instagram post, she pleaded for an end to what she called “abhorrent reports” and “media exploitation” of her death, for the sake of their son, Bear.

“As I try to navigate this devastating event and deal with my own grief at this indescribably painful time, I would like to gently remind everyone that we have lost a human being,” she said.

“Liam wasn’t just a pop star and celebrity, he was a son, a brother, an uncle, a dear friend and father to our 7-year-old son. A son who now has to face the reality of never seeing his father again. “

She continued: “What disturbs my spirit most is that one day Bear will have access to the abhorrent reporting and media exploitation we have seen over the past two days. It breaks my heart even more that I cannot protect him from this in the future. I am begging you to consider which is the usefulness of some of these reports, as well as causing more harm to everyone left behind picking up the pieces. Before leaving comments or making videos, ask yourself if you would like your own child or family to read them.

Cole ended his statement by asking the public to please give “Liam what little dignity he has left after his death so he can finally rest in peace.” Payne died on October 16 at the age of 31 after falling from the roof of a hotel in Buenos Aires.

The couple first met when Payne auditioned for the British edition of “The X Factor” at age 14 in 2008. Cole, who was 10 years older, was on the judging panel.

The two began dating in 2016 and had a child together in 2017. They ended their relationship the following year and Payne was in a long-term relationship with model Maya Henry. Payne was originally in Buenos Aires with his current girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, but she left on vacation a few days early.

The singer was best known for his work with One Direction, the boy band formed by Cowell during the 2010 edition of “The X Factor.” After Payne failed to make the finals in 2008, he returned two years later, again as a solo artist, before Cowell suggested pairing him with four other contestants: Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik.

After the band went on indefinite hiatus in 2016, Payne pursued a solo career.