The friend with whom Liam Payne recorded a single before his untimely death has slammed fans who have accused him of trying to profit from the tragedy.
Grammy-winning producer Sam Pounds had planned to release their collaboration “Do No Wrong” on Friday, November 1, but withdrew the song at the last moment due to a barrage of criticism.
He later declared that he pulled the track out of respect for the grieving family of the One Direction star, and stated any profits from the single would be donated to a charity chosen by them, reports the Mirror.
Following the intense online backlash, Sam vented on social media, criticising some of the stories being spread about him. In a heated statement, he said: “The narrative SOME of yall (NOT ALL) are pushing is complete garbage and nonsense (with no true discernment).”
He went on to question the silence of these individuals during previous mistreatment of Liam, stating: “Where was everyone at when ‘they’ were bullying him on TikTok and now trying to do the same to me? Huh? Where were YOU when the media was trying to tarnish his legacy? Huh? Did you have the power to change the narrative. NO.”
Sam expounded on why he felt it was important to go ahead with releasing the duet posthumously, explaining: “I wanted to at least highlight and point the attention to the music and memories WE created. Our duet. Our moment. A moment of pure happiness and joy.”
He reminded people of Liam’s enthusiasm for their music, sharing: “WE LOVED MUSIC and at times THIS INDUSTRY DON’T LET US SHARE IT. Don’t forget or have amnesia. Liam wanted yall to hear our music. He had so many happy, amazing and optimistic ideas. The audio to D.N.W (live mix) was already leaked.
“Yall really tried to turn this beautiful tribute into a ‘money’ thing. The internet doesn’t have to be a breeding ground for negativity! Also, yall know a leaked track of the live mix is going around.
“Of course with all TRIBUTES the money goes to the family. With genuine ppl THAT’S THE OBVIOUS and most natural thing to do!”
He then launched into: “Don’t ever disrespect me, especially when you don’t know ANYTHING. Calm down and pray and continue to show love for Liam and get his music to number 1 and comfort the family.”
Sam ended the post with: “Stop feeding negativity RIGHT NOW! Don’t let the negative voices influence your mind!
“It’s truly some kind people out here that are real, loving and a safe space.
“I’m thankful I get create with some of the greatest daily. I wanted to at least highlight and point the attention to the music and memories WE created. Our duet. Our moment. A moment of pure happiness and joy.
“It sucks to have to defend myself as I continue to mourn both Liam and my grandmother.
“God’s power will prevail. Some of yall nasty spirits and words WILL NOT tarnish the original energy behind my moment in time with Liam that I invited you all to witness.
“I’ll keep the memories to myself and close family and friends because with them it won’t ever be misread or misunderstood. “I wanted to at least highlight and point the attention to the music and memories WE created. Our duet. Our moment. A moment of pure happiness and joy.
“Lastly, I’m a black church boy from the south! Here in the south we celebrate and bring comfort through musical tributes of all kinds. That’s one of the ways we culturally show love. Some of you are so far away from culture it’s hard for you to recognise real ones in your own lives.
“I wanted to at least highlight and point the attention to the music and memories WE created. Our duet. Our moment. A moment of pure happiness and joy.
“Love thy neighbour, stop fighting amongst each other and be advocates for truth and peace. Be blessed and stay blessed.”
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