Liam Payne’s TV special slammed by fans as ‘disgusting corporate greed’

Former One Direction star Liam Payne’s funeral hasn’t happened yet and has become the subject of an ABC special, airing tomorrow on Hulu, called Liam Payne’s Final Days.

The special’s tagline reads: “Drugs, a ruined hotel room and a fatal fall: how One Direction’s Liam Payne tragically died.” The boy band singer’s sudden death sparked new questions about the dark side of fame. How did the 31-year-old’s bright star fade so dramatically?

Disney-owned streamer Hulu will exclusively air ABC News Studios’ IMPACT x Nightline special eight days after Payne fell to his death from the third floor of his Buenos Aires hotel room.

As Payne’s family and friends grieve, with his father in Argentina and toxicology investigations still ongoing, the special will air interviews with “those close to Payne.”

Among those interviewed in the special is fellow X Factor contestant Mary Byrne, who was on the show in 2016 when Payne joined One Direction with Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson.

It will also feature interviews with Dra. Azadeh Aalai, One Direction fan Natalie Barada and ABC News contributors Chris Connelly, Kelley Carter and Megan Ryte, according to Variety.

Many people were offended by the news as they took to social media to criticize the ad.

‘Wow. Why do we need it? commented @Frozenf00d, while @IamBluPearl said: “I don’t even think the family has buried this man yet, but ABC News wants to do a special.”

‘Wow, gross, but anything to make a profit I guess. even exploiting such a horrible death,” @millycam added.

“It’s been a week,” said @Krysten2828, as @joe_teffo said, “It’s still not buried and you’re ready to cash in. It’s disgusting.

@Cail0n__Oh agreed: “Oh that’s morbid, men not even buried.”

really? This is disgusting,” @blondelena added, while @maddysleeep said: “This is complete and utter garbage. evil, corporate greed.’

‘What happened to shame?’ began @HeyItsDivyansha, adding: “This is incredibly disrespectful. The funeral hasn’t even taken place and you’re all working on ways to monetize this tragedy?

Payne died on October 16 at the age of 31. Tributes have since been paid to him by the music industry, family, his girlfriend and friends, as well as his former One Direction bandmates, remembering the singer as a “kind” person.

Fans have held vigils around the world to mourn Payne, with many crying at the news and leaving flowers, candles and cards.

Although initial toxicology reports have been released, final results are not expected to be released for several weeks. The singer’s body will remain in Argentina for now while investigations continue.

Multiple sources have reported to various outlets that a mixture of drugs was found in the singer’s system at the time of his death.

Payne found stratospheric fame aged just 16 when he joined One Direction alongside Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson and Naill Horan on X Factor in 2010.

In the days since Payne’s death, a light has been shone on the mental health pressures on those in the entertainment world.

Now a petition calling for legislation to “safeguard the mental health of artists in the entertainment industry” has been signed by nearly 40,000 people over the weekend.

Payne has previously spoken about her struggles with addiction and fame, telling The Sun in a 2017 interview: “Going out and putting that happy smile on my face and singing the songs, honestly, sometimes it was like putting on one of those suits, going out there, and under the disguise, people don’t really see what’s going on.”

One Direction were one of the biggest boy bands in the world, and with hits like What Makes You Beautiful, Story of My Life and Night Changes they sparked a Beatles-like obsession among fans.

Metro has reached out to Disney, Hulu and ABC News for comment.

Do you have a story?

If you have a celebrity story, video or picture, please contact Metro.co.uk’s entertainment team by emailing us at [email protected] or calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Send Stuff page; I like to hear from you.

MORE: Liam Payne’s girlfriend says they were ‘planning to get married’ next year

MORE: One Direction hit streaming record after Liam Payne’s death

MORE: Liam Payne’s X Factor co-star slams Piers Morgan for ‘disgusting’ interview