Liam Payne was quietly dropped by his record label because they feared the music he wanted to make would not win over his One Direction fans, sources claim.
DailyMail.com previously revealed that the late singer died on Wednesday at the age of 31 from the third floor of a hotel in the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires, after receiving a devastating blow from Universal Music, which had put point their second album. on hold before leaving it.
Now, insiders say industry bigwigs have cut ties with Payne in part because of the type of music he likes.
Speaking exclusively to DailyMail.com, they said: 'Liam wanted to make the music he loved, but his label believed he wouldn't be successful. 1D fans were divided on how their brand should have been marketed.
The source blamed executives for having to make budget cuts and the former One Direction star's bad news ultimately helped decide his fate.
The label reportedly has ties to Payne because of “all the memes and jokes people have made about him online.”
Liam Payne was quietly dumped by his record label just days before his death (Star image at Wembley in 2023)
The former One Direction singer was released in 2019 after the label feared the music he wanted to make would not win over his One Direction fan base.
“The entire music industry is making cuts and restructuring to keep costs down, so Universal decided to quietly get rid of Liam. They are investing in other artists,” the source said.
“He didn't need the money because he was rich, but it hurt him because he was constantly under pressure to compete with the other guys in the band.”
The source added: “Unfortunately, part of the decision was driven by all the memes and jokes people made about him online.
“His team saw that as a sign to abandon ship.”
Last month, fans expressed concern after Payne appeared to act erratically in a TikTok video uploaded by his girlfriend Kate Cassidy, 24.
On September 30, Kate uploaded a clip showing off her 'night check-in outfit.'
In the charge, Payne appears in and out of frame, and stumbles several times, unable to talk about what he is wearing.
She danced in the background and appeared in the shot holding a laptop with music blaring.
A source told DailyMail.com: “The entire music industry is making cuts and restructuring to reduce costs.”
'Is Liam okay? The real question.'
Another said: 'OMG Liam please take care of yourself, get the help and time you need.'
A few days later, on October 2, Payne was filmed dancing the Macarena during intermission at Niall Horan's concert in Buenos Aires.
The clip went viral, but social media users weren't too happy, describing Payne as “embarrassing” and “intimidating.”
Another source told DailyMail.com that Universal Music's decision to drop Liam had to do with his online personality.
“It has more to do with public perception than anything else, since it is very difficult to work with other musicians,” they said.
But Liam was publicly ridiculed, so it was very easy for his team to abandon him.
“Liam made millions for the industry, but was ignored when he wanted support.”
DailyMail.com has contacted Universal for comment.
Multiple sources previously confirmed to DailyMail.com on Thursday that the label paid Payne a large advance but never received it back.
Universal Music paid tribute to Payne on social media following news of his death
“Of all the One Direction boys, Liam was on the wrong path musically,” a source said.
Universal Music Group paid tribute to Payne on social media Thursday morning.
Their statement read: “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 adored.
“Our deepest condolences to Liam's family and loved ones.”
In addition to being fired by his label, Payne's PR resigned earlier this month, leaving him without any promotional representation.
The resignation came after his ex-fiancee Maya Henry launched legal proceedings against him, accusing him of repeatedly contacting her.
A source said: “Liam's music career, which he had built since going solo eight years ago, has all but collapsed and left him with very little.”
“It must have been completely destroyed.”
