Singer Cheryl has posted about Liam Payne’s death, saying their seven-year-old son Bear “has to face the reality of never seeing his father again”.
The Girls Aloud star and former X Factor judge also hit out at “abhorrent reports” about Payne, saying: “It is breaking my heart further that I cannot protect (Bear) from that in his future.”
Payne died on Wednesday after falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina.
Follow latest: Liam Payne’s girlfriend posts for first time about his death
Cheryl and the One Direction singer were in a relationship between 2016 and 2018 and welcomed their son in 2017.
In a post on Instagram, she shared a photo of Payne and Bear when he was a baby lying in bed together.
Alongside the photo, Cheryl wrote: “As I try to navigate this earth-shattering event, 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 seven-year-old son. 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.”
She added: “I am begging you to consider what use some of these reports are serving, 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.
“Please give Liam the little dignity he has left in the wake of his death to rest in some peace at last.
“Thank you, Cheryl.”
Tributes have poured in for Payne following his death, including from his One Direction bandmates who issued a joint statement and their own personal messages.
Simon Cowell – who mentored the band on the X Factor and later signed them to his label – paid tribute to Payne on Friday evening, saying he was “truly devastated” and felt “empty”.
The music mogul said Payne’s son would be “so proud” of what his father had achieved during his 31 years.
“I have met your son, Bear. He has your smile and that twinkle in his eyes you have,” Cowell added.
Read more:
Liam Payne’s friend reveals messages sent before death
Grief as details emerge of star’s final hours
Liam Payne: A life in pictures
👉 Tap here to follow the Sky News Daily wherever you get your podcasts 👈
Payne’s girlfriend Kate Cassidy said she was at a “complete loss”, in a tribute also posted on Friday.
The model wrote: “Liam, my angel. You are everything. I want you to know I loved you unconditionally and completely. I will continue to love you for the rest of my life. I love you Liam.”
The pair had been dating for two years. Two days before the singer’s death, Cassidy, 25, reportedly travelled back to her home in Florida, while Payne remained in Argentina.