Liam Payne Fan Outcry Forces TMZ to Remove New Image
TMZ is in extremely hot water with fans after sharing images of former One Direction member Liam Payne after his tragic death in Argentina at the age of 31.
The world was devastated along with our staff at Glitter Magazine, to hear of the tragic death of superstar Liam Payne, one of the former members of the beloved boy band, One Direction. The news was confirmed via the Buenos Aires local newspaper La Nacion after the singer reportedly fell from the third floor of CasaSur Palermo hotel in Buenos Aires. TMZ stated in a post that they were able to identify his body by the tattoos on his arm and waist as viewers saw an image of his body lying on a wooden floor surface of the hotel. News has been confirmed now, that Payne “jumped” from his hotel balcony which came from Pablo Policicchio, communications director for the Buenos Aires Security Ministry, who disclosed the findings in a statement provided to The Associated Press.
What no one expected while reading the article was that as you scrolled down, TMZ allegedly explained that they had received photos of him, but they were only sharing his arm and hip to show the tattoos that confirmed it was Payne. This was simply horrific for fans and family to have to witness.
Fans and celebrities both were not only jaw-dropped but disgusted, that not even an hour after the singer’s death, TMZ was already, in our opinion, exploiting him for clicks.
Alessia Cara was one of the first celebrities to take to social media to call out TMZ‘s unethical decision to share graphic images, writing, “you’re gross @TMZ.”
you’re gross @TMZ
— ac (@alessiacara) October 16, 2024
One Direction has an entire generation of fans that grew up on the boy band which included Payne, Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik. For many, it was heart-wrenching and shocking to hear the sad news, especially after Payne released new music this year and was just posting on his trip to Argentina across social media.
One Direction was the best-selling boy band of all time with albums Up All Night, Take Me Home, Midnight Memories, Four, and Made in the A.M. which garnered them millions of fans around the world.
Fans sing sombre version of One Direction’s The Story of My Life, imbued with fresh poignancy, given Liam Payne’s own story has been cut tragically short at such an early chapter. He was 31.
— Gary Nunn (@GaryNunn1) October 17, 2024
Footage taken a few blocks from my flat in Palermo, Buenos Aires, Argentina #LiamPayne pic.twitter.com/tmXzHgQFqL
In a statement to Reuters, “police said they were called to the hotel in the capital’s Palermo neighbourhood” where they were notified of an “aggressive man who could be under the effects of drugs and alcohol,” the man was however not identified as Payne.
According to Rolling Stone, Buenos Aires medical emergency agency SAME declared in a statement that Payne fell from a height of “about 13 or 14 meters,” and that he “suffered severe injuries incompatible with life.”
Harry Styles’ mother shared on Instagram: “Just a boy…”
Zayn Malik’s sister Waliyha shared a photo of herself with Liam from years back, stating: “I can’t believe it, I honestly have no words for this sad moment… I really can’t believe it.”
I can't believe it, I honestly have no words for this sad moment… I really can't believe it pic.twitter.com/RfpRcYxvMX
— Waliyha Malik (@WaIiyhaAzad) October 16, 2024
Payne’s former fiancé Maya Henry’s representative stated to Daily Mail, “Right now she is obviously in shock,” when they contacted her for a statement.
For now, we are sure fans are comforted to know the images were removed from TMZ, however the internet is forever, and many are still outraged that those images have made it on to other platforms.
Fans questioned, what have we become as a society when media outlets have no line they won’t cross for profit. We are wishing all those who knew and loved Liam peace as everyone tries to grapple with someone taken way too soon. While we do not know the full details surrounding his death, we are still sharing a hotline below for those in need of help in dealing with this tragedy. Text CONNECT to 741741 if you need free, confidential, 24/7 mental health support.
This story has been updated.
