Liam Payne was a supporter of same-sex marriage. (Getty)
One Course star Liam Payne didn’t “perceive” why some international locations have been taking “so lengthy” to legalise homosexual marriage.
The musician died on Wednesday (16 October) after falling from a third-floor balcony – presumably as excessive as 130ft (40m) – at a lodge within the Argentinian capital Buenos Aires. He was 31.
He was there with companion Kate Cassidy to observe a efficiency by former band-mate Niall Horan.
As information of his dying unfold, celebrities and fellow music stars, together with Charlie Puth, Zedd, Paris Hilton and Ty Dolla $ign shared poignant tributes on-line. Followers of Payne, who shot to fame as a part of The X Issue boyband One Course in 2010, additionally flocked to social media to share their disbelief on the information.
The group was the most important boyband of the twenty first century till they went on indefinite hiatus in 2016, with all 5 members, Payne, Harry Kinds, Louis Tomlinson, Horan and Zayn Malik happening to attain solo success.
Out and in of the band, every of them had a sizeable LGBTQ+ following.
A yr earlier than the band introduced their cut up, Payne spoke to Perspective journal about his views on same-sex marriage, months after it grew to become authorized in all US states.
He recalled being in America with the band on the time the legislation was handed, and seeing “a great deal of nice events and flags flying all over the place” in celebration.
“It’s unusual to me that international locations are nonetheless refusing to cross the legislation. I simply don’t perceive why it’s taking them so lengthy,” he stated. “We dwell in a time the place every part is much more acceptable, however sure international locations gained’t transfer on. It’s made into a much bigger difficulty than it ought to have been by people who find themselves holding on to historical past.
“You’ll be able to’t dwell previously, you must transfer with the occasions.”
The likes of Australia, Eire, Northern Eire and Switzerland had not recognised marriage equality at the moment.
“All the problems folks assume are points I don’t see as points in any respect,” Payne continued. “I don’t pay any consideration as to whether individuals are homosexual or not, I’m simply into folks. A great deal of individuals are into all kinds, but when they’re my mate and I get on with them, that’s all that counts.”
The “Strip That Down” singer went on to say that he had “quite a bit” of homosexual pals, who had been in his life for a very long time.
“I really discover it humorous that being homosexual continues to be one thing that’s talked about as if it’s not pure. I don’t go round saying: ‘Oh, this man is homosexual’. I don’t make a giant deal about it. I’ll simply say, ‘That is my mate’. My mates are my mates, no matter their sexuality.”
Payne is survived by his seven-year-old son Bear, whom he had together with his then companion, Ladies Aloud star Cheryl.
Earlier this week, the Every day Mail reported that Payne’s ex-fiancée, mannequin Maya Henry, had issued a stop and desist towards the previous One Course star, alleging that he had repeatedly tried to contact her, her pals, and household.
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