Liam Payne fans slam 'beyond deplorable' TMZ for posting shots of star's body after he died
Liam Payne fans have slammed American news site TMZ for sharing cropped images of parts of the star's body after his death, with the decision described as "beyond deplorable" and a "disgrace". Others branded those involved as "scumbags". One person tweeted: "Regardless of your personal thoughts on Liam Payne. He has a family and a young son. Posting images of his body, like the announcement wasn’t enough proof is vile."
Some celebrities voiced their concerns too, with TV star Rylan Clark, 35, who like Liam rose to fame on The X Factor, posting: "Extremely sad news. V tragic and so young. RIP Liam." He added: "And TMZ f**king shame on you . Disgrace." Many fans agreed, with one branding the move "totally unacceptable". Singer Alessia Cara aimed a tweet at TMZ, writing: "You’re gross."
Photos published by TMZ, which were later removed, showed parts of Liam's arm and waist which had tattoos on. The story stated: “TMZ obtained a photo showing Liam’s body on a wooden deck at the hotel with tables and chairs nearby. We’re not showing the whole body, but you can clearly see his tattoo — a clock on his left forearm, and a scorpion on his abdomen.”
READ MORE:Liam Payne said wild rumours 'weren't true' days before tragic death in Argentina
READ MORE:Liam Payne's ex 'in shock' as she breaks silence following One Direction star's sudden death
The pictures were later taken out of the article and the text changed to read simply: “TMZ has seen a photo showing Liam’s body.”
Former One Direction singer Liam, 31, was reported to have fallen from the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, it was revealed late last night. The emergency services were said to have been spotted outside the hotel following the incident.
A body was discovered in the hotel's internal patio and the hotel manager is said to have alerted the police. It's believed that Liam fell approximately 13 or 14 metres, sustaining injuries described as "incompatible with life."
Reports say police in the Argentinian capital were called due to a man behaving aggressively, possibly under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In a statement, a local ambulance manager told TN: "At 17.04 through the 911 integrated public safety system, we were alerted of a person who was in an internal courtyard of the management of a south house hotel.
"At 17.11 a SAME team arrived and verified the death of this man and later we found out that he was a singer in a musical group. Unfortunately, he had injuries that were incompatible with life, as a result of his fall, so we had to confirm his death, there was no possibility of resuscitation."
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Liam's ex Maya Henry was understandably said to be in a state of shock, with reports suggesting she only learnt of his death when a reporter contacted a member of her team. A source told the Mail: "Right now she is obviously in shock. "
Alberto Crescenti, a spokesperson for the city ambulance service, confirmed some details, saying: "The alarm was raised at 5.04pm local time saying a person was lying in an internal patio at Casa Sur. " He continued: "At 5.11pm an ambulance arrived and the man was certified dead.
"Afterwards we found out he had been a famous singer. Unfortunately the injuries he had suffered as a result of the fall proved to be fatal. There was no possibility of resuscitating him."
Fans have been sharing their own tributes, with one referring to his child with Cheryl Tweedy, writing: "So sad, so young. Feel for Cheryl having to break the news to Bear. How awful. R.I.P." Another said: 'Rest in paradise Liam. Thinking of your beautiful son bear and your family at this heartbreaking time."
