Liam Payne's final days to be explored in controversial doc

Liam Payne’s sudden death just eight days ago shattered the hearts of fans and friends alike.

In the aftermath of this tragedy, ABC is now set to air a documentary delving into the singer’s final days — a move that many believe crosses an ethical line.

Liam Payne’s tragic death on October 16 sent shockwaves through the world. The beloved singer, known for his powerful voice and role in One Direction, left fans and friends grappling with profound grief.

However, as interest swells regarding the circumstances surrounding his final days, ABC News has announced a documentary titled “Liam Payne: His Final Days,” set to stream on Hulu on Thursday, Oct. 24.

Significant backlash

Led by Juju Chang, the documentary features interviews with Payne’s close friends and fellow artists, including Mary Byrne, who competed alongside One Direction on “X Factor.”

The logline for the special reads: “Drugs, a trashed hotel room, and a deadly fall: How One Direction’s Liam Payne tragically died. The boy band singer’s sudden death sparked renewed questions about the dark side of fame. How did the 31-year-old’s brilliant star fade so dramatically?”

Despite the intense interest in Payne’s story, the decision to air the documentary so soon after his passing has drawn significant backlash.

Critics have flooded social media with concerns about the ethics of broadcasting such intimate content while his family is still in mourning. Comments on various platforms reflect this sentiment, with one user stating: “The guy’s barely been dead five minutes, and his poor family hasn’t even been able to bring home his body to lay him to rest yet.”

Another user lamented: “Never underestimate Hollywood’s ability to make a penny from a tragic death,” while a third demanded respect for the deceased, calling for a rebranding of the network: “Show some respect, ABC, and rename it Liam Payne Studios… how dare you make a mockery of his death!”

No defensive injuries

Payne, just 31 years old, tragically passed away after falling from the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. What has not yet been confirmed is if the fatal fall was intentional or accidental, but it is known that there were no defensive injuries on Payne’s hands.

Preliminary toxicology reports indicate that drugs were present in his system at the time of his death. Investigators report that packs of clonazepam, a central nervous system depressant, energy supplements and other over-the-counter drugs, were found among his belongings, leading to the belief that the star “was going through some kind of substance abuse episode.”

Payne openly spoke of his mental health and substance abuse struggles and last year, the singer celebrated 100 days of sobriety.

“I feel like I’ve got more of a grip on life now and everything that was getting away from me, I just feel like I’ve got more of a handle on it,” Payne said in 2021. “I just needed to take a little bit of time out for myself actually because I kind of became somebody who I didn’t really recognize anymore. It’s good to be in this position. I definitely don’t need those things anymore. The party’s over.”

While the allure of uncovering the truth behind his final days is undeniable, the question remains: at what cost? As fans, friends, and loved ones mourn, one can only hope that the memory of Liam is honored in a way that reflects the joy he brought to so many, rather than reduced to a sensationalized narrative.