In a recent video posted on his YouTube channel, Justin Hawkins Rides Again, Justin Hawkins, lead singer of the British rock band The Darkness, doubled down on his earlier criticism of the late Liam Payne. Despite backlash, Hawkins has refused to delete the controversial video from March 2023 in which he criticized Payne’s behavior. The video resurfaced after Payne tragically passed away on October 16, 2024, at the age of 31 following a fall from a hotel balcony in Argentina. His death sparked a wave of grief from fans and celebrities alike, but Hawkins maintained his stance on the late singer’s actions, stating that his views had not changed.
Hawkins previously called Payne “arrogant” for his erratic and sometimes confrontational behavior in public. In the video, which compiled clips of Payne’s more unruly moments, Hawkins remarked that the former One Direction star often came across as “inauthentic” and as though he was struggling to cope with the pressures of fame. The video, which originally gained attention due to its sharp commentary on Payne’s behavior, sparked a divisive debate when it resurfaced following his untimely death. Payne had openly discussed his mental health struggles, including years of “dark” times and “extreme peril,” but Hawkins emphasized that his criticism was not intended to diminish Payne’s struggles.
In the wake of Payne’s death, many fans and social media users accused Hawkins of exacerbating the singer’s mental health issues. Some argued that the video may have contributed to Payne’s downward spiral. Hawkins, however, refused to take down the video, explaining that he had simply pointed out what he observed in public appearances, acknowledging that many artists go through difficult phases but often appear inauthentic during them. “It wasn’t a personal attack,” he clarified in the follow-up video, noting that every artist experiences highs and lows, but some of Payne’s more public moments made him seem difficult.
Hawkins also addressed the idea that he had “blood on his hands” following Payne’s death, a claim that had been made by some viewers who felt the video had fueled negativity around the One Direction star. “I didn’t see that Liam situation coming,” Hawkins said, reflecting on his lack of awareness regarding Payne’s deeper struggles. He admitted that he hadn’t paid close attention to Payne’s personal life but reiterated that the behavior he highlighted in the video was “obviously” problematic. “I didn’t recognize signs of mental instability,” he admitted, although he stressed that his comments were simply observations of public behavior.
Despite the tragic circumstances surrounding Payne’s death, Hawkins reiterated that his views on the singer’s actions remained unchanged. He made it clear that his video was not meant to mock Payne’s struggles with fame or mental health, but rather to provide commentary on his public persona. “Everybody’s complex, and there are layers to this,” Hawkins said, acknowledging that while he still found some of Payne’s moments laughable, he also felt sad about the outcome of the situation. “It’s really sad what happened to him, but I’m not going to change my views on those specific behaviors,” Hawkins concluded.
Liam Payne’s death has prompted a wave of tributes from family, friends, and fans alike. His former bandmates from One Direction, including Zayn Malik, shared heartfelt messages remembering Payne. His girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, also paid tribute, describing the pain of losing him. Amid the ongoing tributes, Hawkins’ refusal to retract his video has sparked further debate about the line between criticism and respect for a person’s struggles. Some viewers felt that his commentary crossed that line, while others agreed that the video was merely an honest reflection on Payne’s public behavior.
In response to the backlash, Hawkins made it clear that he would continue to express his views candidly, especially when it comes to issues like authenticity and the pressures of fame. “Laughing at some stuff that’s laughable, that’s what I do. It’s what I’ll always do,” he said, emphasizing that he tries to maintain honesty in his commentary, even if it may not always be well received. He acknowledged that he might not always hit the mark, but he insisted that he would not shy away from voicing his opinion.
The controversy surrounding Hawkins’ remarks highlights the complexities of public figures’ interactions with their fans and the media. While some felt that Hawkins was being insensitive, others believed that he was simply reflecting the challenges of navigating fame. Ultimately, the incident serves as a reminder of how the actions and words of celebrities are scrutinized in an era where everything is captured on video, and the line between humor and harm can sometimes be difficult to navigate.
The debate over Hawkins’ video is likely to continue, but one thing is clear: his commitment to honesty, even when controversial, is central to his persona. Whether or not fans agree with his views, Hawkins has made it known that he values being straightforward, especially when discussing the behaviors and struggles of his peers. As the entertainment world continues to grapple with the complexities of fame, mental health, and public opinion, this incident serves as a poignant example of the challenges that arise when personal opinions collide with
public sentiment.
