Toni Cornell feels for Liam Payne’s son Bear Grey Payne.
The 20-year-old—whose father, musician Chris Cornell, died by suicide in 2017—slammed the fact that photos of the One Direction member’s body following his fatal Oct. 16 were published, expressing her concern for the impact they could someday have on Liam’s 7-year-old son with ex Cheryl Cole.
“In the wake of Liam Payne’s tragic passing, I feel compelled to speak out about the disgusting, distressing photos released by TMZ including graphic images of his hotel room and body,” Toni wrote on her Instagram Story, per NME. “Having seen those photos, I can’t help but reflect on my own experience when graphic images of my father’s death were also published by TMZ.”
She continued, “As a 12-year-old, I stumbled upon those pictures while scrolling through my iPad, and it was indescribably traumatizing, and something I still carry with me to this day. TMZ still has not chosen to have the decency, seven years later, to remove those photos from the internet, and it is something I believe should be done.”
And while she noted the images of Liam’s body have since been removed, Toni—whose mom is Vicky Karayiannis—felt it didn’t make a difference.
“They should never have been put up in the first place,” she noted. “And it breaks my heart to think that his 7-year-old son, Bear, might one day come across them and suffer exactly as I did.”
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic & Karwai Tang/WireImageIt is a sentiment shared by Liam’s ex, Cheryl, who spoke out against some of the reports shared about the father of her child in the wake of his tragic death.
“As I try to navigate this earth shattering event,” the Girls Aloud singer began her Oct. 18 message, “and work through my own grief at this indescribably painful time, I’d like to kindly remind everyone that we have lost a human being.”
“Liam was not only a pop star and celebrity, he was a son, a brother, an uncle, a dear friend and a father to our 7 year old son,” she continued. “A son that now has to face the reality of never seeing his father again. What is troubling my spirit the most is that one day Bear will have access to the abhorrent reports and media exploitation we have seen in the past two days. It is breaking my heart further that I cannot protect him from that in his future.”
Instagram/Cheryl ColeThe 41-year-old asked that those writing, commenting and speaking on Liam’s death pay mind to what they’re accomplishing.
“I am begging you to consider what use some of these reports are serving,” she wrote, “other than to cause further harm to everyone left behind picking up the pieces. Before you leave comments or make videos, ask yourself if you would like your own child or family to read them.”
She added of her former partner, who had struggled with addiction and mental health challenges amid his fame, “Please give Liam the little dignity he has left in the wake of his death to rest in some peace at last.”
