TMZ has withdrawn explicit images after facing a backlash for publishing photos of Liam Payne’s body. The former One Direction star, aged 31, tragically died in Argentina following a fall from the third floor of his hotel, where he was staying with his girlfriend.
The American entertainment news outlet came under fire on Twitter for showing pictures of the singer’s body. Their initial post stated: “TMZ obtained a photo showing Liam’s body on a wooden deck at the hotel with tables and chairs nearby.”
The outlet explained it was “not showing the whole body”, but explained it was showing Liam’s well-known tattoos. However, the strong reaction from social media users led TMZ to remove the upsetting images of Liam.
They revised their article to read: “TMZ has seen a photo showing Liam’s body on the deck at the hotel with tables and chairs nearby. You can clearly see his tattoos – a clock on his left forearm, and a scorpion on his abdomen – which helped us confirm early reports from witnesses”, as reported by Birmingham Live.
This move comes amid severe criticism from heartbroken fans. BBC host and celebrity Rylan Clark voiced his disgust, tweeting: “TMZ f***ing shame on you. Disgrace,” while Canadian singer-songwriter Alessia Cara also slammed the site, stating, “You’re gross @TMZ.” TMZ has not yet responded to the backlash.
It has been been confirmed that the 31 year old former member of One Direction passed away on Wednesday (16.10. 24) following a distressing fall from his balcony on the third floor of the CasaSur Palmero hotel in Buenos Aires.
Alberto Crescenti, head of the state emergency medical service, reported that the singer fell into an inner courtyard of the CasaSur Palermo Hotel.