Cheryl breaks silence on Liam Payne's tragic death and says her heart is breaking for son Bear

The Girls Aloud star previously dated the One Direction singer and together they welcomed son Bear, who is now seven years old

Cheryl has issued a statement on her ex Liam Payne's tragic death, saying she is heartbroken that their son Bear will never see his father again.

The One Direction singer died aged 31 on Wednesday after falling from third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Tributes have been pouring in for Liam from leading figures in the entertainment industry, including his former bandmates Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik as well as music mogul Simon Cowell.

Read more: Liam Payne's girlfriend Kate Cassidy breaks silence on his death: 'My angel, you are my everything'

Read more: Simon Cowell pays tribute to Liam Payne and says he feels 'heartbroken and empty'

Cheryl, who was a judge on The X Factor when Liam competed in 2010, welcomed Bear with the singer while they were in a relationship. They split in 2018, but continued to co-parent their son.

The Girls Aloud star has now taken to social media to pay tribute to Liam, as well as condemn "abhorrent reports" from media outlets following his tragic death.

Cheryl wrote on Instagram: "As I try to navigate this earth shattering event, and work through my own grief at this indescribably painful time, I'd like to kindly remind everyone that we have lost a human being.

"Liam was not only a pop star and celebrity, he was a son, a brother, an uncle, a dear friend and a father to our 7 year old son. A son that now has to face the reality of never seeing his father again.

"What is troubling my spirit the most is that one day Bear will have access to the abhorrent reports and media exploitation we have seen in the past two days. It is breaking my heart further that I cannot protect him from that in his future.

"I am begging you to consider what use some of these reports are serving, other than to cause further harm to everyone left behind picking up the pieces. Before you leave comments or make videos, ask yourself if you would like your own child or family to read them.

"Please give Liam the little dignity he has left in the wake of his death to rest in some peace at last.

"Thank you,

"Cheryl."

Cheryl's words come as tributes continue to pour in for Liam following the shocking news.

His bandmates Niall, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik issued joint and individual statements, while music mogul Simon Cowell said is "heartbroken" and "feels empty".

Ed Sheeran, who wrote a number of songs for One Direction, shared his condolences and urged people to "be kind" online, while Robbie Williams extended his sympathy to Liam's family, likening the 31-year-old's struggles to his own back in the day.

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