Alessia Cara has voiced her outrage on social media, condemning TMZ for what she described as an unethical decision to share graphic photos of Liam Payne's body following his tragic death on Wednesday, October 16, 2024. The 31-year-old former One Direction star passed away after a fatal fall from the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires, as confirmed by CNN and local police reports.
TMZ’s initial post featured cropped images showing parts of Payne’s body, identifiable by his tattoos. The photos depicted Payne’s forearm and abdomen, showing his distinct tattoos, including a clock on his left arm and a scorpion on his stomach. The accompanying article read: “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.”
The photos sparked a wave of backlash from fans and celebrities alike, leading TMZ to remove the images from their post. The updated story now states, “TMZ has seen a photo showing Liam’s body,” without including any images.
Alessia Cara, who is known for her strong stance on mental health and privacy, took to social media to call out TMZ’s lack of sensitivity and respect for both Liam Payne and his grieving family. Cara’s post echoed a broader sentiment from fans and fellow artists who have expressed frustration with tabloid culture, particularly when it involves the exploitation of tragic events for clicks and views.
Following Payne’s death, many celebrities have come forward to share their sorrow and condolences. His “Get Low” collaborator Zedd expressed his grief on X (formerly Twitter), writing: “RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real… absolutely heartbreaking…” accompanied by a broken-heart emoji. Paris Hilton also shared her condolences, tweeting, “So upsetting to hear the news of @LiamPayne passing… Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. RIP my friend.”
The incident highlights the ongoing debate about media ethics and privacy, especially in the aftermath of a public figure’s death. As fans and loved ones continue to mourn the loss of Liam Payne, the conversation around responsible media coverage remains crucial.