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Louis Tomlinson is speaking out against Logan Paul for his handling of a 2022 interview with Liam Payne, calling the YouTuber “a horrible little f**ker” for exploiting Payne during a difficult time.
The comments came during a recent interview with The Independent, where the One Direction singer reflected on the fallout from Payne’s 2022 appearance on Paul’s Impaulsive podcast. During that conversation, Payne made controversial remarks about his former bandmates, including Zayn Malik, which sparked significant backlash. Payne later apologized and clarified that Zayn would “always be my brother.”
Tomlinson said he will “forever despise” Paul for the way the interview unfolded, suggesting the influencer failed to show compassion or professional responsibility. “That’s the problem with some of this new media,” Tomlinson said. “Most journalists should have a duty of care.”
Payne later revealed in a 2023 YouTube video that the interview and other challenges led him to enter a sobriety treatment program, where he spent 100 days. Tragically, Payne passed away in October 2024 after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. He was 31.
Reflecting on their history, Tomlinson said Payne truly did take on a leadership role within One Direction, acknowledging, “It was definitely a role that was assigned to him… and between that and his songwriting, it’s not even up for debate.”
Tomlinson also shared that Payne’s death has brought the remaining members — Harry Styles and Niall Horan — closer together. He expressed pride in seeing each of them thriving in their solo careers.
Tomlinson’s third studio album, How Did I Get Here?, is set for release on January 23, 2026.