Cheryl Cole, mother of Liam Payne’s son, says singer’s death is ‘earth-shattering’

Photo: Liam Payne/IG

Cheryl Cole has released a statement following the death of Liam Payne, her ex-boyfriend and father of their son, Bear.

On Instagram, the Girls Aloud member posted a photo of Liam in bed with their baby.

She said that she is still processing Liam’s death and reminded the public to be more kind and considerate.

“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,” Cheryl wrote.

“Liam was not only a pop star and celebrity, he was a son, a brother, an uncle, a dear friend and a father to our 7 year old son. A son that now has to face the reality of never seeing his father again,” she added.

Cheryl said the fact that their son Bear will see “abhorrent reports and media exploitation” following Liam’s death is “troubling my spirit.”

“It is breaking my heart further that I cannot protect him from that in his future,” she said.

“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 you leave comments or make videos, ask yourself if you would like your own child or family to read them,” she added. “Please give Liam the little dignity he has left in the wake of his death to rest in some peace at last.”

Cheryl and Liam started dating in 2016, and welcomed their son Bear in 2017. They split in 2018 and had a co-parenting setup.

It was announced on Thursday morning that Liam died after he fell from the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was 31 years old.

According to an autopsy report, he suffered 25 injuries, including a serious head injury. Police said he was alone when the incident happened, and there were indications that he experienced an episode due to alleged substance abuse.

One Direction released a joint statement saying they were “completely devastated” by Liam’s death. Members Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, and Niall Horan also released individual tributes.

Tributes also poured in from Liam’s fellow artists, like Charlie Puth, Zedd, Paris Hilton, and many more.

Liam pursued a solo career when One Direction had an indefinite hiatus in 2016. His solo songs include “Strip That Down” featuring Quavo, “For You” featuring Rita Ora, and “Bedroom Floor.” His latest single, “Teardrops,” was released in March.

One Direction had a two-night concert in Manila in 2015. Their hit songs include “Night Changes,” “What Makes You Beautiful,” and “Story of My Life.”