10 major controversies surrounding ex-One Direction member Liam Payne

Liam Payne, known for his time with One Direction, left behind a legacy filled with both musical success and headline-grabbing controversies. As news of his tragic death shakes the world, it's worth revisiting some of the moments that kept him in the spotlight for reasons beyond music.

1. X-Factor beginnings and One Direction formation

Liam Payne’s journey began on The X Factor UK, where Simon Cowell encouraged the formation of One Direction, a band that went on to achieve global fame. However, it wasn’t long before rumours of tension among the band members, including Payne, began to surface.

2. Solo career struggles

After One Direction disbanded, Payne’s solo career had a rocky start. His debut single Strip That Down with Quavo was a hit, but his follow-up releases failed to match its success, leading to critical discussions about his musical trajectory.

3. Addiction and mental health battles

Payne has been open about his struggles with mental health and addiction, admitting in 2019 that the pressures of fame nearly led to his demise. His battle with sobriety was well-documented, and he proudly celebrated six months of sobriety in 2023.

4. Relationship with Cheryl Cole

Payne’s romance with Cheryl Cole was widely discussed due to their 10-year age gap. Despite the couple having a son, Bear Payne, the relationship ended in 2018, leading to intense media scrutiny.

5. Grooming allegations in relationship with Maya Henry

Payne faced criticism when he began dating Maya Henry, a 19-year-old fan of One Direction. The relationship, which eventually ended in 2022, was marked by allegations of cheating and abuse, causing further damage to Payne’s public image.

6. Feuds with former bandmates

Payne became notorious for speaking more openly about his One Direction experience than his bandmates, often causing friction. His comments about Zayn Malik's upbringing during a controversial Logan Paul interview were particularly criticized.

7. Dismissive remarks about Zayn Malik

In several interviews, Payne seemed to downplay Zayn Malik’s struggles, including his issues with racism and mental health. Fans accused Payne of being insensitive and dismissive, sparking outrage across social media.

8. Viral TikTok backlash with Kate Cassidy

A TikTok video featuring Payne and his girlfriend Kate Cassidy stirred controversy when he made a comment about her outfit, telling her, “You look good. Nice and covered up for once.” The remark was widely condemned as misogynistic.

9. Seeking attention at Niall Horan’s concert

Just before his tragic death, Payne attended Niall Horan’s concert in Argentina, which led to fans accusing him of trying to seek attention. His presence sparked debate among One Direction fans.