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 fanbase, sources claim.
DailyMail.com previously revealed that the late singer, who died on Wednesday aged 31 after falling from a third floor of a hotel in the Argentine capital Buenos Aires, was dealt a devastating blow by Universal Music, which released his second album in the stood guard before dropping it. .
And now insiders have claimed that industry top brass have cut ties with Payne in part because of the type of music he liked to make.
They told DailyMail.com exclusively: ‘Liam wanted to make the kind of music he enjoyed, but his label believed it wouldn’t win over 1D fans, so there were disagreements over how his brand should have been marketed brought.’
The insider also claimed that executives had to make cuts, and that the former One Direction star’s bad press ultimately helped determine his fate.
The label is said to have a connection with Payne, in part because of “all the memes and jokes people made about him online.”
Liam Payne was quietly dropped by his record label just days before his death (star pictured at Wembley in 2023)
The former One Direction singer, pictured in 2019, was fired because the label feared the music he wanted to make wouldn’t win over his One Direction fanbase
“The entire music industry is in the process of making cuts and restructuring to reduce costs, so Universal decided to quietly drop Liam and invest 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 inspired by all the memes and jokes people were making about him online.
“His team took that as a sign to jump ship.”
Last month, fans raised concerns about Payne after he appeared to be behaving erratically in a TikTok video uploaded by his girlfriend Kate Cassidy, 24.
On September 30, Kate uploaded a clip showing off their ‘outfit of the night check’.
In the upload, Payne darted in and out of frame, nearly causing her to trip several times as she struggled to continue talking about what she was wearing.
He also danced in the background and appeared on screen with a laptop with music on.
An insider told DailyMail.com that ‘the entire music industry is making cuts and restructuring to reduce costs’
Fans flooded the comments with their unease, with one writing: ‘Is Liam okay? Sincere question.’
Another said: ‘Omg Liam, take care and get the help/time you need.’
Days later, on October 2, Payne was filmed dancing the macarena during a break at Niall Horan’s concert in Buenos Aires.
The clip went viral, but social media users were less than kind, describing Payne as “embarrassing” and “cringe.”
Another source claimed to DailyMail.com that Universal Music’s decision to ax Liam had to do with his online persona.
“It had more to do with public perception than anything, because it’s much harder to work with other musicians,” they said.
‘But Liam was publicly mocked, so it was much easier for his team to let him down.
‘Liam made millions for the industry but was shunned when he wanted it to support him.’
DailyMail.com has contacted Universal for comment.
Multiple sources previously confirmed to DailyMail.com on Thursday that Payne had received a huge advance from the label, but has not recouped it.
Universal Music paid tribute to Payne on social media following news of his death
“Of all the One Direction guys, Liam was on the wrong path musically,” said an insider.
The 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 who adored him.
“We extend our deepest condolences to Liam’s family and loved ones.”
In addition to being dropped by his label, Payne’s PR also resigned earlier this month, leaving him without any publicity representation.
The dismissal came as his ex-fiancée Maya Henry began legal proceedings against him after accusing him of repeatedly contacting her.
One source said: ‘It’s as if Liam’s entire music career he had built since going solo eight years ago was crumbling, leaving very little for him.
“It must have absolutely devastated him.”
