Liam Payne's friend hits out after being accused of 'profiting' from his death

A friend who was collaborating with Liam Payne on a single before he died in Argentina has hit out at fans who have suggested he might be exploiting the tragedy for personal gain. Grammy-award winning producer Sam Pounds was scheduled to drop their joint track, titled "Do No Wrong," tomorrow, Friday, November 1.

However, the music producer has decided not to release the song at the last minute after backlash from the fandom, Sam Pounds has since clarified that the decision was made out of respect for the family of the One Direction star, in their time of mourning, emphasising his desire for any proceeds from the single to benefit a charity chosen by them, reports the Mirror.

Following the onslaught of criticism, Sam turned to social media to confront some of the harsh remarks directed at him. He posted: "The narrative SOME of yall (NOT ALL) are pushing is complete garbage and nonsense (with no true discernment)."

In a further statement, Sam added: "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."

Recounting his reasons for wishing to put the posthumous single out there, he revealed: "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 continued: "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. 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. 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.

"Love thy neighbour, stop fighting amongst each other and be advocates for truth and peace. Be blessed and stay blessed."

Tragically, Liam passed away in Argentina on October 16 following a fall from a hotel balcony at age 31. He is survived by his seven year old son Bear, shared with Girls Aloud singer Cheryl Tweedy.