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GB News criticized after presenter made ‘vile’ comment about Liam Payne’s death

GB News criticized after presenter made ‘vile’ comment about Liam Payne’s death

Matte Jr010 mins

GB News presenters next to a photo of Liam Payne

GB News was criticized for its coverage of Liam Payne’s death (Photo: GB News/X)

GB News has been widely condemned for its coverage of Liam Payne’s death, with fans branding one presenter’s comments ‘despicable’.

One Direction star Payne died on Wednesday, aged 31, after falling from a third-floor balcony at the Hotel Casa Sur in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Following the tragedy, fans flooded social media with tributes and fond memories of the singer, while his loved ones and bandmates expressed their heartache.

Payne’s untimely death was widely publicized, as details of his final moments remain unclear. However, a hotel guest said Payne was “passed out and convulsing” in the lobby that afternoon.

The Strip That Down hitmaker has spoken openly in his later years about his struggles with addiction, alcoholism and mental health, having reportedly checked himself into a rehab center just a few months ago.

Covering the aftermath of Payne’s fatal fall, GB News presenter Ben Leo conveyed his shock, but shocked viewers by calling the star a ‘druggie’.

GB News presenters Ben Leo and Nana Akua

Ben Leo commented that Payne was ‘drugged’ (Photo: GB News)

Ben Leo tweeted about Liam Payne's death
The host wrote a tribute a few days ago

‘What do you think of Liam Payne’s sad passing during the week?’ he asked co-host Nana Akua.

He continued: ‘I saw it during the week. I was very sad for him. He’s a guy with a seven-year-old son, but then I thought, you know, what are you doing, taking drugs?

Co-star Akua then reminded him: “We’re not sure.”

When the clip began circulating on X, fans called the comments ‘vile’ and urged the channel to ‘do better’.

FreddySky declared the comments as ‘truly disgusting’ while _stphnjms asked: ‘How is this channel still on air?’

‘Addiction is a disease and everyone is just 1 crisis away from making a decision they can’t take back. I’m disgusted by this,’ wrote user LouiseScot51918.

“Disgraceful,” wrote trixietrottsba1.


Liam Payne wearing black pants and khaki top posing at an event
The One Direction singer died after falling from a hotel balcony on Wednesday (Photo: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for MTV and DIRECTV NOW)

One Direction performs on ABC's Good Morning America
Payne found fame with bandmates Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson (Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

Tagging Ofcom, dm_2401 asked: ‘Making this kind of comment after Liam Payne’s death??? Surely this is not acceptable?

“Absolutely disgusting,” Mrstracynewbury added.

Leo’s horrific comment comes shortly after he wrote a tweet about how “sad” Payne’s death is.

‘Shocking news about Liam Payne. There is no age to die, especially with a child left behind. I can’t imagine the pain his family and friends are feeling,” he said Thursday.

‘Another reminder of how fragile life is. Here one day, gone the next. Sad.’

Fans have since revisited the social media post to accuse the presenter of ‘backtracking’, with his RyRyUK writing: ‘But that’s not quite what you said on air, is it?’

The GB News segment follows similar criticism aimed at Sky News, which was branded ‘scum’ for comments made about Bear Payne, who the late musician shares with ex-girlfriend Cheryl.

Liam Payne with the Global Special Award in the Global Awards press room

He has spoken openly about his struggle with addiction in recent years (Photo: Ian West/PA Wire)

One Direction statement on Liam Payne's death
His 1D bandmates shared a touching statement (Photo: Instagram)

One broadcaster said on air: ‘I remember when Bear was born and we were laughing at the name because it’s so funny.’

In response, viewers noted that it was a “weird thing to mention,” with user X GJ69 reminding her, “That kid, stupid name or not, just lost his dad.”

Payne’s father arrived in the Argentine capital this weekend to organize the repatriation of his son’s body, also participating in a vigil outside the hotel alongside fans.

Speaking after the tragic news, Payne’s family – made up of dad Geoff, mum Karen and sisters Ruth and Nicola – said in a statement: “We are heartbroken.

‘Liam will forever live in our hearts and we will remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul.

“We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this terrible time.”

Meanwhile, bandmates Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan and Harry Styles issued a joint message.

Geoff Payne, father of former One Direction band member Liam Payne, waves to people outside the hotel where Liam Payne was found dead after falling from the balcony of a third-floor hotel room in Buenos Aires, Argentina

The singer’s father, Geoff Payne, arrived in Argentina to organize repatriations (Photo: Reuters)

Geoff Payne, right, father of former One Direction singer Liam Payne, visits a memorial in front of the Hotel Casa Sur, where the British pop singer fell to his death from a hotel balcony, in Buenos Aires, Argentina
He participated in a vigil surrounded by fans (Photo: AP)

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“We are completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing,” wrote the band, who went on hiatus in 2015 following Malik’s departure from the quintet.

They added: ‘In time, and when everyone can, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved deeply.

‘The memories we shared with him will be cherished forever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends and the fans who loved him alongside us.

‘We will miss him very much. We love you, Liam.

Tomlinson, Malik, Horan and Styles began sharing their own individual tributes to their ‘brother’ to their millions of fans on social media.

Buenos Aires police said a preliminary autopsy suggested Payne died from external and internal bleeding.

Investigations continue into the circumstances of his death.

GB News has been contacted for comment.

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MORE: Proof that Liam Payne really was ‘the most vital part’ of One Direction

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