Liam tragically died after falling from a hotel balcony earlier this month(Image: Getty Images)

Liam Payne pal Sam Pounds unleashes furious rant as he's accused of 'profiting' from late star

Liam Payne first posthumous single with producer Sam Pounds was due to be released tomorrow - but it was pulled last minute

31 Oct 2024, 10:31 by Katie Wilson · The Mirror

The pal Liam Payne recorded a single with before he died has hit out at fans who accused him of trying to profit from the late star's death.

Grammy-winning producer Sam Pounds was due to release the song - called Do No Wrong - on Friday, November 1.

But he pulled the track at the last minute following a backlash from fans. He has since said it is out of respect for the One Direction star's grieving family. And he wants the proceeds of the single to go to a charity of their choice.

Hours later, Sam took to social media to address some of the abuse that had been targeted at him. In a furious rant, he wrote: "The narrative SOME of yall (NOT ALL) are pushing is complete garbage and nonsense (with no true discernment)."

Sam Pounds was due to release his single with Liam this week( Image: Getty Images)

But the track was pulled at the last minute out of respect for Liam's grieving family( Image: Instagram)

Sam continued: "Where was everyone at when 'they' were bullying him on TikTok & 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."

Explaining why he wanted to release the posthumous single, he said: "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.

"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! 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!"

Liam had reportedly been dropped from his record label weeks before his death( Image: Getty Images)

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."

Sam ended the post with: "Stop feeding negativity RIGHT NOW! Don't let the negative voices influence your mind! It's truly some kind people out here that are real, loving and a safe space. I'm thankful I get create with some of the greatest daily.

"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. I'll keep the memories to myself and close family and friends because with them it won't ever be misread or misunderstood.

"Lastly, I'm a black church boy from the south! Here in the south we celebrate and bring comfort through musical tributes of all kinds. That's one of the ways we culturally show love. Some of you are so far away from culture it's hard for you to recognise real ones in your own lives.

"Love thy neighbour, stop fighting amongst each other and be advocates for truth and peace. Be blessed and stay blessed."

Liam tragically died in Argentina on October 16 after falling from a hotel balcony at the age of just 31. He leaves behind his seven-year-old son Bear, who he shares with Girls Aloud singer Cheryl Tweedy.

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