Liam Payne's family is expressing outrage at Netflix over plans to air the talent show series featuring the late singer without their consent. The boyband-focused series, which Payne participated in, is entitled Building the Band and is slated for release later this year. According to RadarOnline, the family felt unacknowledged by the streaming giant, having believed they had entered discussions to provide feedback before the show aired.
“Liam's family are furious with how this has played out,” noted one insider. “The series is obviously sensitive for them, and they wanted to watch it in full and discuss certain elements to it before the series goes to air. But Netflix are just ploughing ahead without his family being granted the final seal of approval, which has upset those closest to Liam.” These concerns arise following the tragic demise of the former One Direction star, who passed away at the age of 31 from injuries sustained after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, last October.
Building the Band, hosted by AJ Maclean of the Backstreet Boys, is touted as involving a competitive edge to assemble new musical groups. Payne had been involved with the project, which also featured Nicole Scherzinger and Kelly Rowland as judges. The show focuses on gathering talented individuals, where each contestant competes to form their ideal band without initial visual interaction. Netflix, prior to this uproar, had mentioned being engaged with Payne's family concerning how the series might play out.
This controversy is compounded by recent revelations about the state of Payne's solo career prior to his passing. Reports indicate he was dropped by Universal Records just days before his death, signaling struggles to cement his place as a solo artist. Multiple sources claimed, “Liam’s advance was massive and he didn’t recoup it.” His public relations representative also resigned shortly beforehand, contributing to concerns about his well-being before the tragic event.
Witnesses at the CasaSur Palermo hotel noted erratic behavior from Payne prior to his fall. Bystanders described dramatic incidents within the hotel, including him smashing his laptop and requiring assistance. A hotel manager urgently called emergency services, fearing for Payne's safety, relaying details of his erratic state to the dispatcher. Remarks included, “We’re worried he’ll do something, put his life at risk.” Details surrounding his actual fall remain ambiguous, with the official inquiry ruling the cause of death as ‘polytrauma’, which signifies multiple traumatic injuries.
Payne’s posthumous appearance on Netflix has stirred anticipation and mixed emotions among fans, who are already bracing for the poignant release. Many have expressed their anxiety about watching the series, recognizing the bittersweet nature of seeing him alive and engaging before his untimely exit. One fan expressed on social media, “How are we supposed to watch this? We’ll see him laughing and having fun on the show, and we’ll be drowning in tears over this unfairness, over his absence. Even writing this is making me cry.”
Another fan added, “I can’t wait to see him because it was the last project he did before his passing; I just know I'll be bawling my eyes out.” This outpouring of emotion highlights how deeply his fans connected with him, not only as part of One Direction but also as he navigated his solo career.
The airing of the series is not just about showcasing talent; it’s also become emblematic of the challenges and pressures faced by artists within the music industry. With Payne’s tragic death, the discussions surrounding mental health, pressure to perform, and the realities of fame are timely and significant, drawing attention to the support artists need and the often overlooked struggles they endure behind the spotlight.
Meanwhile, as the world remembers Payne, his former bandmates are managing their own grief. Reports claim Harry Styles has dismissed potential plans for a tribute concert, stating he is focused on his solo ventures instead. While Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, and Louis Tomlinson gathered at Payne’s funeral, rumors of them reuniting for charity tribute gigs have surfaced but appear unlikely. An insider remarked, “Styles is the most successful member of the group and, frankly, he's too big for the band now.”
Payne leaves behind his son Bear, aged seven, with his ex-partner Cheryl Cole, giving weight to the personal tragedies intertwined with his passing. His legacy, alongside the music he created, remains prominent even as his family navigates their grievances with the entertainment industry.
Overall, Liam Payne’s story reflects complex narratives of fame, artistry, and the toll they can take on individuals. With the release of Building the Band approaching, fans and family alike seek resolution and respect as they process both the talents he shared and the pain of his absence.