'Who Does This?' Kate Cassidy’s Post About Liam Payne Sparks Fury

Kate Cassidy has sparked outrage among Liam Payne’s friends and family after posting artificial intelligence–generated photos of herself with the late singer last month.

What she called a heartfelt tribute has been described by those close to the One Direction star as “distasteful” and “triggering,” reopening wounds as the first anniversary of his death approaches.

Last month, Cassidy shared a series of AI-generated photos that showed her and Liam Payne smiling together as though he were still alive.

In one image, the musician wore a taupe suit and lovingly held Kate by the waist as she posed in a soft pink dress.

Liam beamed his familiar smile, showing off his £30,000 Rolex watch.

At first glance, it looked like a memory from happier times. But the truth was more haunting as the images were digitally created using AI technology.

Cassidy posted them to her Instagram stories, writing, “Thanks for making these. AI is such a blessing and a curse.”

The posts disappeared after 24 hours, but the damage was done. What she saw as a creative remembrance struck others as insensitive.

For many who were close to Liam Payne, the influencer’s decision to share those AI photos was deeply upsetting.

One of Liam’s former colleagues questioned her motives, calling the move “distasteful” and “unhelpful” to those still mourning.

“Who does this?” the friend asked the Daily Mail. “Of course she is fully entitled to remember Liam, but this all feels a bit much. It’s surely triggering for those who loved Liam. There is some sympathy for Kate but creating a photo of them together so soon after his death is completely strange and also upsetting for so many who loved Liam.”

The same friend explained that Liam’s parents, Geoff and Karen Payne, have chosen to grieve privately.

They described the duo as normal people who had no interest in the “fame game.”

“They saw what fame did to him and they don’t want any part of it. They will grieve their son forever, privately,” the friend added.

October 16 marks one year since Liam’s tragic death in Buenos Aires after falling from a third-floor balcony.

According to insiders, Geoff, Karen, and daughters Ruth and Nicola, plan to mark the day privately.

Still, there is “full expectation” among those close to them that Cassidy will post tributes online once again.

The 26-year-old was Liam’s last girlfriend. Their two-year relationship followed several of his past romances, including with dancer Danielle Peazer, model Sophia Smith, and singer Cheryl Tweedy.

Despite what they shared and how touching her tributes have been since his passing, sources are convinced Cassidy’s posts will overshadow the quiet dignity with which Liam’s family continues to grieve.

Liam Payne met Kate Cassidy in late 2022 after ending his engagement to model Maya Henry.

The pair went public soon after, attending glamorous events together and becoming regulars on the red carpet.

They even adopted a dog, Nala, and moved into a luxury home in Miami in 2024.

Sadly, tragedy struck in October 2024 when Cassidy left Liam in Buenos Aires to return to Miami, saying she needed to care for their rescue dog.

Days later, the “Night Changes” singer tragically fell to his death after taking a cocktail of drugs at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel.

“Kate has explained why she went home,” a friend shared. “But for Liam’s nearest and dearest, it’s still hard to get their head around. She wasn’t to know what would happen after she left, but if she had stayed, maybe, just maybe Liam would be here today.”

Five people in Argentina were later charged in connection with his death.

Three of them, the hotel manager, receptionist, and Liam’s friend, have since had their charges dropped.

Those who knew Liam believe the singer’s memory should be honored with care, not controversy.

“It is going to be a terribly sad day,” one associate said. “His death is absolutely tragic and in the eyes of his family was one that could have been avoided. There are so many ‘what ifs’ about his passing and that is a difficult thing for all of those who loved Liam to get their head around.”

While Kate Cassidy continues to share her grief online, posting old photos and messages from Liam, friends believe her actions often cross emotional boundaries.

“Nobody has a problem with Kate being upset at Liam dying, but every time she shares a picture or video of him it helps her brand, gets her new followers,” one insider noted.

Overall, they believe the anniversary of Liam’s demise should be “a day to respectfully remember him” and not a day for a social media spectacle.