Liam Payne's pal accused of 'profiting' from late star's death lashes out with rant

Liam Payne's former collaborator has lashed out after being slammed by fans for allegedly capitalising on the late star's death. Grammy-winning producer Sam Pounds was set to drop a new single titled 'Do No Wrong' on Friday, November 1 but paused the release due to a backlash, saying it's to honour the grieving family of the late One Direction star.

He asserted that profits from the track will go to charity. Tackling online abuse head-on, Sam vented on social media, writing: "The narrative SOME of yall (NOT ALL) are pushing is complete garbage and nonsense (with no true discernment)."

He defended the reason behind releasing the posthumous single: "I wanted to at least highlight and point the attention to the music and memories WE created. Our duet. Our moment. A moment of pure happiness and joy."

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Sam added, "WE LOVED MUSIC and at times THIS INDUSTRY DON'T LET US SHARE IT. Don't forget or have amnesia. Liam wanted yall to hear our music. He had so many happy, amazing and optimistic ideas. The audio to D.N.W (live mix) was already leaked."

"Yall really tried to turn this beautiful tribute into a 'money' thing. The internet doesn't have to be a breeding ground for negativity!," reports the Mirror.

"Also, yall know a leaked track of the live mix is going around.

"Of course with all TRIBUTES the money goes to the family. With genuine ppl THAT'S THE OBVIOUS and most natural thing to do!"

He then launched into: "Don't ever disrespect me, especially when you don't know ANYTHING. Calm down and pray and continue to show love for Liam and get his music to number 1 and comfort the family.

"I'm thankful I get create with some of the greatest daily. Where was everyone at when 'they' were bullying him on TikTok and now trying to do the same to me? Huh? Where were YOU when the media was trying to tarnish his legacy? Huh? Did you have the power to change the narrative. NO."

He added: "It sucks to have to defend myself as I continue to mourn both Liam and my grandmother.

"God's power will prevail. Some of yall nasty spirits and words WILL NOT tarnish the original energy behind my moment in time with Liam that I invited you all to witness. Lastly, I'm a black church boy from the south!"

In a heartbreaking turn of events, Liam met a tragic end in Argentina on October 16, after a fatal fall from a hotel balcony, at the tender age of 31. He is survived by his young son Bear, aged seven, whom he co-parented with former Girls Aloud star Cheryl Tweedy.

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