Liam Payne’s sister Ruth Payne Gibbons has criticized his girlfriend Kate Cassidy for using social media to mourn the late musician’s death – just hours after the singer posted a series of social media posts about his love life.
Ruth acknowledged the first anniversary of the One Direction alum’s October 2024 death via Instagram on Friday, writing, “Everyone seems only interested in the public side of this.”
“Sadly, some people seem to be more interested in the fame that comes with this, but people need to remember that on the human side, I’m lost without a son without a father, a parent without a child, and a brother without a brother,” she continued.
Elsewhere in a lengthy message to her beloved “little brother,” Ruth added: “I hope I get the chance to be your sister for the rest of my life.” Along with the message, Ruth posted a photo of Liam in a pirate costume, and ended the message with a group photo with the pop star.
Cassidy, 26, took to TikTok a few hours ago on Thursday to share a video of Liam trying to lift her up while they did a playful “last” dance in the park.
“This video was taken in Liam and I’s last hour and last day together on this earth,” she wrote in a social media tribute. “I am forever grateful for the beautiful moments we shared. Liam, you will be forever missed.”
Also on Thursday, she shared a thoughtful TikTok in which she appears to be staring off into the distance. “Grief reminds me how lucky I am to have loved someone so much that I will endure without them for the rest of my life,” she wrote at the top of the video.
“❤️ Love you, 4ever,” Cassidy added in the caption. Via Instagram, she shared a sweet photo of the couple cuddling up for a selfie. “Today marks a full year since you were gone. I hate goodbyes forever. I miss you so much Liam.”
On October 16, 2024, Liam died from fatal injuries after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was 31 years old.
Before their deaths, Cassidy and Liam posted multiple social media posts of themselves enjoying a holiday in the capital. The influencer left Argentina alone two days before Liam’s death.
The couple were in Argentina to attend former bandmate Niall Horan’s concert on October 4, 2024.
Cassidy told Page Six earlier this month that she suffered from depression following Liam’s untimely death and “just doesn’t really want to live my life.”
“I was always doing nothing and just dealing with that sadness and pain,” she exclusively revealed to Page Six during a special performance of “This Is Crazy!” To benefit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI.)
It took “about two months” for things to change, she said. “I finally realized, ‘Okay, I have to get up and get out of bed, just like living my life,'” she said.
As the anniversary of Liam’s death approaches, she said she is “trying to stay as busy as possible”.
“I think it really helps clear your head,” Cassidy added.
