A top TMZ boss has defended the outlet’s decision to publish photos of Liam Payne’s body after his death in Argentina, having faced widespread criticism online.
Payne tragically died after falling from a balcony at the hotel CasaSur in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The One Direction singer had been in the country to attend a show of former bandmate Niall Horan earlier this month, having been seen dancing in the crowd alongside girlfriend, Kate Cassidy.
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Initial reports of his death came from local media, before officials confirmed that the star had passed away.
US celebrity news website TMZ was among those early to the story, having controversially published pictures of Payne’s body.
After facing backlash, the site’s executive producer, Michael Babcock, has defended decision to approach the story that way, claiming they had done so in a bid to confirm what people feared was true as officials were yet to announce the identity.
Speaking to Fox 5 New York, Babcock explained: "There's a balance, and that's obviously a conversation that newsrooms across the world have – you want to be sensitive to the family and to the friends and also while working a news story.
“When the information was coming in, police had not yet confirmed that it was Liam, so what was done on the TMZ website, there was an image – did not show the full image, didn't show his face – but that showed his arm and his abdomen, where he has some very recognisable tattoos.
“So that's sort of used as a way to confirm, or to match up, the tattoos at a point where police had not yet confirmed his identity.
“And then, once they did, obviously, that photo was removed.”
He added: “I mean, it's just a terribly horrific and sad story. It's something obviously that shouldn't have happened, and this guy had so much life left to live and you feel horrible for everybody.”
In the wake of the news, Payne's family released a statement about his death, saying they felt 'heartbroken'.
"Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul," the family said, adding: "We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time."
Topics: Celebrity, Liam Payne
Jess Hardiman