Liam Payne's record label, Universal Music allegedly discreetly let him go a day before his passing, citing concerns that his new music wouldn't resonate with his One Direction fans. Payne plunged to his death on October 16 from the third floor of his hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Liam Payne's first 2019 album, LP1, clocked in at No. 17 on the UK album chart, but by the next week, it was nowhere in the Top 50. According to the Daily Mail, Universal Studios put his second album on hold before he met his untimely demise. According to GBS News, it was supposed to detail the “story of his life," and was slated to come out earlier in the year.
Liam Payne allegedly "felt the pressure" to compete with his bandmembers
In speaking with the outlet, a source said,
"Liam wanted to make the sort of music he enjoyed but his label believed it wouldn't win over 1D fans so there were disagreements about the way his brand should have been marketed."
The insider also claimed that the studio was undergoing a budget cut, and Liam Payne got the shorter end of the stick. They added,
"The entire music industry is making cuts and restructuring to cut costs so Universal decided to drop Liam quietly and invest in other artists. He didn't need the money because he was wealthy, but yes it did hurt him because he was under constant pressure to compete with the other guys in the band. Unfortunately, part of the decision was motivated by all of the memes and jokes people made about him online. His team saw that as a sign to jump ship."
Another source chimed in, per News18, to add:
"It had more to do with public perception than anything because other musicians are a lot harder to work with. But Liam was being mocked in public, so it was much easier for his team to abandon him. Liam made millions for the industry but was shunned when he wanted it to support him.”
Per the outlet, Liam Payne was given a sizeable advancement, but he failed to recoup it before he passed.
Universal Music takes to X to pay tributes to Liam Payne's passing
Just a day after his demise, Universal Music took to X to offer a tribute to the Strip That Down singer:
"We are devastated by the tragic passing of Liam Payne. His legacy will live on through his music and the countless fans he inspired and who adored him. We send our deepest condolences to Liam’s family and loved ones."
However, the internet was unsatisfied. Many shot back with accusatory tweets and cutthroat remarks. One user commented, "Shouldn’t have dropped him few days before the tragedy then."
"The hypocrisy and ruthlessness of the recording industry on full display to the world. The very same Liam that your label are reported to have dropped days before his death? You had a duty of care to a troubled young artist. Sleep easy banking the royalties," another chimed in.
Yet another called Universal Music out, speaking about the lost advance,
"Yet you site “he didn’t recoup his advancement” as reason for dropping him. You didn’t give him a chance. You didn’t let him release his music so how could he. We were all awaiting to support and ensure its success. He had his hands tied behind his back the whole time."
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Earlier this month, Payne's PR label also let the singer go on the heels of his ex's legal proceedings beginning.
According to Maya Henry, Payne would repeatedly contact her, her friends and family, and even her mom, via different numbers and emails.
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