‘We Have Lost A Human Being’: Cheryl Cole Condemns Exploitation Of Former Partner Liam Payne’s Death

Cheryl Cole has made an emotional plea for respect following the death of her former partner, Liam Payne. The 41-year-old Girls Aloud singer, who has a seven-year-old son named Bear with Payne, shared her reflections on the impact of his death in a statement on Friday. She wrote, “As I try to navigate this earth-shattering event, and work through my own grief at this indescribably painful time, I’d like to kindly remind everyone that we have lost a human being.”

She then reflected on Liam Payne’s life beyond his fame, saying, “Liam was not only a pop star and celebrity, but he was also a son, a brother, an uncle, a dear friend, and a father to our 7-year-old son. A child who now has to grow up knowing he’ll never see his father again.”

Cole expressed her distress over the media’s treatment of Payne’s death, saying, “What is troubling my spirit the most is that one day Bear will have access to the abhorrent reports and media exploitation we have seen in the past two days. It is breaking my heart further that I cannot protect him from that in his future.”

She pleaded for compassion and consideration for their son and for Payne’s loved ones, adding, “I am begging you to consider what use some of these reports are serving, other than to cause further harm to everyone left behind picking up the pieces.”

Before closing, Cole asked people to reflect on their actions, writing,

“Before you leave comments or make videos, ask yourself if you would like your own child or family to read them.”

She ended her statement with, “Please give Liam the little dignity he has left in the wake of his death to rest in some peace at last. Thank you, Cheryl.”

Liam Payne died on October 16, after falling from the third floor of the hotel he was staying at in Argentina, according to state police reports. He was 31 years old.

Cheryl Cole and Liam Payne first met when he auditioned for The X Factor in 2008 while she was a judge on the show. Years later, the two began dating and made their first public red carpet-appearance together in 2016. They welcomed their son, Bear, in March 2017 before splitting in 2018.

Payne had mentioned his son in a Snapchat video back in August 2024 while celebrating his 31st birthday. “He’s so big now. He’s a big boy, and he looks like a mini-me,” Payne said with affection, reported Billboard.

In the aftermath of his death, many of Payne’s friends, colleagues and fans have taken to social media to mourn his loss and share their grief. A statement from Payne’s family reportedly read, “We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts, and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny, and brave soul. We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time.”