"You dropped him two days ago and now you're posting this"- Fans slam Universal Music amid reports of Liam Payne being dropped by his label
Universal Music Group reportedly dropped Liam Payne from their label Capitol Records days before his untimely passing on October 16. Liam fell to the ground from the balcony of his room at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel's 3rd floor in Buenos Aires on Wednesday evening.
According to Liam's primary autopsy report, he died of "multiple trauma and hemorrhage" due to falling from a height of nearly 45 ft.
As tributes began pouring in for the late One Direction leader, UMG shared their tribute to the 31-year-old singer on X:
"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."
The music corporation sent their condolences to Liam’s family, and friends in the wake of the tragedy. However, news of Liam’s alleged removal from the record label spread online, prompting his fans to condemn Universal Music Group.
"You dropped him two days ago and now you’re posting this. You didn’t care", wrote one fan.
"Shouldn’t have dropped him few days before the tragedy then", commented one X user.
"Perhaps you should employ heath and wellbeing staff, to support the people you chew up and spit out. This is nothing new, perhaps if you’d supported him in life, then this would never have happened. Shame on you", criticized another X user.
"But yet you refuse to release his last works? Yeah sounds like you’re all torn up", wrote another.
Many blamed the company for being partially responsible for Liam's death. They suggested UMG's sudden move must have contributed to the mental turmoil the Polaroid singer supposedly went through, driving him to allegedly consume substances that ultimately led to his death.
"You’re responsible for his death. I bet dropping him from your label was part of the reason that he was so upset before what occurred last night. I hope Liam’s family and his 4 brothers sue the ever living SH*T out of you", said one fan.
"Of course you're devastated... Devastated for all the money he didn't make you, as he wasn't producing night and day, so you dropped him just a few weeks ago. Hypocrits!", another called out.
Universal Music Group supposedly put Liam Payne's second album on hold before axing him
According to the Daily Mail, a source said Liam did not rise back to fame as a solo artist despite his musical history as a former One Direction member. They reportedly added:
"Out of all the One Direction boys, Liam was on the wrong path musically."
The outlet suggested the release of Liam Payne's second album was likely put on hold by UMG before they dropped him.
It is also reported that Liam’s PR team quit earlier in October following a barrage of allegations and a lawsuit from the singer’s ex-fiancée Maya Henry. The source allegedly said Liam’s solo legacy built for eight years was seemingly "crumbling" due to the legal troubles, adding:
"There was very little left for him…It must have absolutely devastated him."
Before his passing, Liam Payne reportedly had an erratic fit in the hotel lobby and also smashed his laptop. The hotel staff called 911 to report the behavior out of concern for his life.
Following his death, his hotel suite was found in shambles, with several medicines and drugs strewn around the room. The TV screen inside the room was also broken.
The Argentinian police discovered clonazepam among other medicines — a drug used for epileptic seizures and panic disorders.
