Liam Payne’s posthumous single release ‘risked placing family at financial loss’

Liam Payne’s posthumous single could have put his family at a financial loss.

Former One Direction star Liam Payne sadly died on 16 October after falling from a third floor balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Just two weeks after his death, producer Sam Pounds announced that Liam’s single Do No Wrong would be released and was met with huge backlash from the singer’s fans.

Pounds later decided to shelve the idea. In an exclusive chat with Daily Star, celebrity PR specialist Kayley Cornelius weighed in on the implications releasing Payne’s posthumous single could have caused.

Speaking on behalf of Betfred Lotto, she explained: “Considering how soon this announcement came after his death, it’s highly unlikely that the label reached a mutual agreement with his family to publish this material, or settled crucial issues like licensing rights and the allocation of profits. So, if the label were to proceed with releasing this single, it also risks placing his family at a financial loss, which could lead to future legal implications.”

“Communications between the label and Liam’s family appears to be very disjointed and the best course of action going forward is for his former label and family to work collectively to make this project a true celebration of Liam and the talent he had.”

In Pounds’ statement about his decision not to release Do No Wrong, he stated that he would “leave those liberties up to all family members”. The producer added: “I want all proceeds to go to a charity of their choosing (or however they desire). Even though we all love the song it’s not the time yet.”

Kayley said that “only time will tell how Liam’s family decide to honour his memory”. She explained: “Typically, when a high-profile and beloved star like Liam Payne passes, the family either creates or collaborates with a charity or organisation that shares their values – take the Amy Winehouse Foundation for example.”

“With this in mind, Liam’s family may consider releasing his final work to benefit a cause close to their hearts. In a situation like this, it’s important that the family’s wishes are honoured and the decision surrounding when his final work should be released should be left for them to decide.”

“Although, it’s entirely possible that they will willingly choose to wait until the anniversary of his death to add to the celebration that was his life and allow them that breathing space to grieve.”

GET MORE NEWS HERE