Tomlinson Defends Liam Payne

Louis Tomlinson has reignited his long-simmering feud with Logan Paul, calling out the YouTuber’s treatment of his late former bandmate, Liam Payne.

In a new interview with The Independent, the former One Direction star reflected on the infamous 2022 Impaulsive podcast episode in which Payne made controversial remarks about his ex-bandmates. The conversation, widely criticized at the time, left Payne facing intense public scrutiny — something Tomlinson believes Paul exploited for entertainment.

“I fking forever despise (Logan Paul), horrible, horrible little fker,” Tomlinson said, condemning what he described as the influencer’s lack of empathy toward Payne during a vulnerable period.

After the backlash, Payne publicly apologized and clarified his comments about Zayn Malik, calling him “my brother.” A year later, Payne revealed in a YouTube video that the interview’s aftermath had contributed to his decision to seek treatment for addiction and mental health, completing a 100-day sobriety program in 2023.

Tragically, Payne died in October 2024 after a fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires at age 31. His death has since prompted deep reflection among his bandmates. Tomlinson acknowledged that Payne had indeed taken on the leadership role in One Direction and credited him with steering much of the group’s creative direction.

He also shared that the heartbreaking loss had brought surviving members Harry Styles, Niall Horan, and himself closer together, describing their renewed connection as both “healing” and “inspiring.”

Tomlinson is now preparing to release his third studio album, How Did I Get Here?, slated for January 23, 2026 — an introspective project shaped, in part, by the friendships and fractures that defined his years in the world’s biggest boy band.