Cheryl Cole honors Liam Payne and denounces 'appalling' death rumors

Cheryl Cole, once romantically linked with Liam Payne, expressed heartfelt homage to the departed singer on Friday, urging the media to exercise discretion in reporting his demise. Between 2016 and 2018, Payne and Cole, a recording artist and former UK "The X Factor" judge, were entwined in a relationship. Their son, Bear, was born in 2017.

"As I attempt to navigate this earth-shattering event and process my own sorrow during this indescribably painful period, I gently urge everyone to remember we have lost a human being," Cole's message commenced, accompanied by an image of Liam with their son. "Liam was more than a pop icon and public figure; he was a son, a brother, an uncle, a cherished friend, and a father to our 7-year-old son. A boy who must now grapple with the reality of never witnessing his father again."

Together, Cole and Payne embraced co-parenting. In a 2023 YouTube video, Payne expressed gratitude for Cole and articulated his affection for Bear. "He's extraordinary. Growing up astonishingly fast," Payne remarked then. "He's immensely clever, perhaps more so than I shall ever be. A marvel."

Cole voiced her distress over their son potentially encountering media narratives concerning his father's passing. "What deeply troubles me is the notion that one day Bear might encounter the appalling reports and media exploitation witnessed recently. It shatters my heart further that I am powerless to shield him from it in the years ahead. I implore you to ponder the purpose these reports serve, aside from inflicting additional anguish on those left to mend the fragments."

Payne passed away on Wednesday, having fallen from the third floor of the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, at the age of 31. As of Friday, local authorities persist in probing the circumstances surrounding Payne's fall as further information gradually surfaces.

"Before commenting or creating content, reflect on whether you'd want your child or family to encounter them," Cole concluded her message. "Please allow Liam the minimal dignity he has left following his passing, to finally rest in peace.