The Record label of Liam Payne is reported to have dropped the star shortly before his death over fears his new music wouldn't have the backing of One Direction fans.
Liam tragically died after falling from the balcony of a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was 31 years old.
Shortly before his death, it's claimed Universal Music had "quietly dropped" the star from their label after putting his second album on hold. Liam's first album peaked at number 17 on the UK album chart, but left the Top 50 the following week.
Despite the placing seeming to be a failure for the star, he had remained undeterred and was hoping for his second offering to be a bigger success. However, according to reports, his label weren't enamoured by the type of music he was loving making.
An insider told DailyMail: "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."
Image:
Getty Images)They added that budget cuts also played a part in his exit. Claims suggested that the label cutting ties was also partly because of "all the memes and jokes people made about him online".
"His team saw that as a sign to jump ship," the source added. They also claimed that while Liam didn't need the money from a successful new album, he would have felt the pressure to succeed due to the successes of band mates including Harry Styles.
The Mirror has contacted Universal for comment.
Liam had watched former 1D man Niall Horan wow that crowds in Argentina weeks before his death. Breaking his silence following the tragedy, Niall called Liam an "amazing friend" in a heartbreaking tribute. Sharing emotional words to Instagram, Niall wrote: "I'm absolutely devastated about the passing of my amazing friend, Liam. It just doesn't feel real. Liam had an energy for life and a passion for work that was infectious. He was the brightest in every room and always made everyone feel happy and secure.
"All the laughs we had over the years, sometimes about the simplest of things, keep coming to mind through the sadness. We got to live out our wildest dreams together and I will cherish every moment we had forever."
He also opened up about their final meet, expressing his sadness at now knowing it will be their final time together. Niall continued: "The bond and friendship we had doesn't happen often in a lifetime. I feel so fortunate that I got to see him recently. I sadly didn't know that after saying goodbye and hugging him that evening, I would be saying goodbye forever. It's heartbreaking. My love and condolences go out to Geoff, Karen, Ruth, Nicola and of course his son Bear. That you for everything, Payno. Love you brother. Nialler."
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