Liam Payne’s former partner Cheryl posted about his death for the first time, criticizing media reports and saying their son must “face the reality that he will never see his father again.”
Payne and the Girls Aloud singer were in a relationship from 2016 and 2018 and have a seven-year-old son named Bear.
“What worries me most is that one day Bear will have access to the disgusting reporting and media exploitation we have witnessed over the last two days,” Cheryl says on Instagram.
“It breaks my heart even more that I can’t protect him from this in the future.”
She describes his death as an “earth-shattering event” and says she is trying to work through her grief at an “indescribably painful moment.”
“I would like to kindly remind everyone that we have lost a man,” she adds.
“Liam was not only a pop star and celebrity, he was a son, a brother, an uncle, a dear friend and father to our seven-year-old son. A son who now has to face the reality that his father will never see him again.
“I implore you to consider what good some of these reports do, other than causing further harm to all who are left behind and picking up the pieces.
“Before you leave a comment or make a video, ask yourself if you want your child or family to read it.
“Please give Liam the little dignity he has left after his death so he can finally rest in peace.”