Harry Styles 'Blindsided' by Backlash over Liam Payne tribute

Harry Styles is reportedly 'blindsided' by the backlash against his tribute to Liam Payne following the tragic death of his former One Direction bandmate. 

Payne, who passed away at the age of 31 in Argentina after falling from the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires, has left a profound impact on those who knew him. 

Authorities reported that a preliminary autopsy indicated he died from external and internal bleeding injuries, with alcohol and medication found in his room.

In the wake of this tragedy, Styles shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, expressing his sorrow and reflecting on their years together.

He wrote, “Liam lived wide open, with his heart on his sleeve; his zest for life was contagious,” describing their time as "among the most treasured of my life." 

However, his tribute was met with backlash from some fans who perceived it as insincere, labeling it a "PR statement" and questioning the authenticity of his emotions during such a painful time.

An insider revealed that Styles is feeling overwhelmed by the criticism:

"Harry is genuinely devastated but feels immense pressure to articulate his grief perfectly. The backlash has made him retreat from social media even more." 

Sources close to the singer indicate that he is taking this time to process his emotions privately, reminiscing about their shared experiences and seeking comfort in memories of Payne.

The scrutiny surrounding Styles' tribute has sparked discourse about the challenges public figures face when expressing grief in the age of social media. Many fans have criticized the expectation that celebrities must immediately share their feelings online. 

One fan expressed, “It’s unfair to judge someone’s grief based on a social media post made within 24 hours of a tragedy,” highlighting the understanding that everyone copes with loss differently.

In light of the backlash, close friends of the 'Adore You' singer have encouraged him to prioritize his emotional well-being over catering to public expectations. 

The insider added, "Harry understands that he needs this time for himself and to remember Liam in his own way, he's trying not to let the hate get to him."

As Styles reflects on this challenging period, he is also considering the pressures of fame and its impact on mental health. 

The tragic circumstances surrounding Payne's death, particularly his struggles with addiction, have prompted Styles to think critically about their shared experiences in the spotlight.

"Harry knows Liam was open about his mental health and alcoholism struggles, he would often call and text Liam to check in on him - that's just the kind of friend Harry is," the source explained.

Despite the criticism, those close to Styles emphasize that he is genuinely mourning Liam. "He’s been reaching out to mutual friends for support and trying to find solace in his most cherished memories with Liam," said another insider. 

Harry Styles' representatives have not responded to Just The Sugar's request for comment at the time of publication.