Liam Payne’s family recently opened up online about the “indescribable, lasting damage” caused by media intrusion and fan speculation in the wake of his death last year.

Payne, a former One Direction member and singer, passed away on October 16. His death occurred after falling from a balcony at a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The Brit Awards unveiled a stunning and heartbreaking tribute to the singer during the ceremony on March 1. Host Jack Whiteall opened the tribute by saying it was time to recognize “a very special person who meant so much to so many of the people in this room and to millions of you around the world.” You can watch the Brit Awards tribute below:

“This weekend, at the Brit Awards, Liam was remembered for his phenomenal contribution to British music and for his wider, positive impact on millions of adoring fans the world over,” the statement reads. “We joined in that celebration of his life and will forever remember the joy that his music brought to the world.”

Liam Payne’s Family Speaks Out About Media Firestorm Surrounding the Singer’s Death

The statement goes on to describe Payne’s passing as an “unspeakable” tragedy. It also describes his passing as a period of “tremendous grief and pain” for his family. The statement goes on to, understandably, condemn the whirlwind media attention that the singer’s death received back in October.

“The constant media attention and speculation which has accompanied the process has exacted indescribable, lasting damage on the family, particularly on Liam’s son, who is trying to process emotions which no seven-year-old should have to experience,” the statement continues. “The family has always wished for privacy to grieve and asks that they be given the space and time to do so.”

The media attention referenced in the family’s statement involved the circumstances around Payne’s death. Those circumstances were a mystery for quite some time before Argentinian authorities released more information to the public. Several people, including a friend of Payne’s, had been arrested and charged with negligent homicide and manslaughter. It appears as though those charges have since been dropped.

While this writer has been guilty of reporting on speculation surrounding Payne’s death and the charges in question, I can understand the family’s plea for privacy in the wake of the traumatic circumstances surrounding the singer’s passing.

“We understand that the investigation into Liam’s death was absolutely necessary and the family recognises the work done by the Argentinian authorities,” the statement concludes. “However, the family accepts the Court of Appeals’ decision to drop all charges.”

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