GB News hit out after host made ‘vile’ comment about Liam Payne’s death

GB News has been widely condemned for its coverage of Liam Payne’s death, with fans calling one host’s comments “despicable”.

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

In the wake of the tragedy, fans have flooded social media with tributes and fond memories of the singer, while his loved ones and bandmates have expressed their grief.

Payne’s untimely death has been widely reported as the 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 recent years about his struggles with addiction, alcoholism and mental health, having checked into rehab just months ago.

Covering the aftermath of Payne’s fatal fall, GB News presenter Ben Leo conveyed his shock but dismayed viewers by calling the star “on drugs”.

“What do you think about the sad death of Liam Payne during the week?” he asked co-host Nana Akua.

He continued: “I saw it during the week. I felt really sad for him. He’s a young guy with a seven-year-old, but then I thought, you know, what are you doing, doing drugs?

Co-star Akua then reminded him, “We don’t know for sure.”

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

FreddySky declared the comments “truly disgusting” while _stphnjms asked: “How is this channel still on the air?”

“Addiction is a disease and everyone is just one crisis away from making a decision they can’t go back from. This disgusts me,” wrote user LouiseScot51918.

‘Shameful,’ wrote trixietrottsba1.

Tagging Ofcom, dm_2401 asked: “You make this kind of comment after Liam Payne’s death?” Are you sure this is not acceptable?

“Absolutely disgusting,” Mrstracynewbury added.

Leo’s horrifying comment comes just after he tweeted about how “sad” Payne’s death is.

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

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

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

The GB News segment follows similar criticism leveled at Sky News, which was branded “scum” over comments made about Bear Payne, who the late musician shared with ex-girlfriend Cheryl.

One broadcaster said on air: “I remember when Bear was born and we laughed about the name because it’s quite funny.”

In response, viewers noted that it was a “weird thing to bring up,” with X user GJ69 reminding him, “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 attending a vigil outside the hotel with supporters.

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

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

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

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

“We are completely devastated by the news of Liam’s death,” wrote the band, which went on hiatus in 2015 after Malik’s departure from the five-piece.

They added: “In time, and when everyone is able, 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 love very much.

“The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, friends and fans who loved him by our side.

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

Tomlinson, Malik, Horan and Styles shared their own individual tributes for their ‘brother’ to their millions of social media followers.

Buenos Aires police have said a preliminary autopsy suggests Payne died of external and internal bleeding injuries.

Investigations continue into the circumstances of his death.

GB News has been contacted for comment.

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