UNDER FIRE: TMZ draws an outcry after it posts Liam Payne’s Death Photos

TMZ has drawn outrage for publishing cropped photos of Liam Payne’s body taken after the One Direction singer fell to his death from the roof of a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The photos showed portions of Payne’s arm and waist, which were covered in identifying tattoos. “TMZ obtained a photo showing Liam’s body on a wooden deck at the hotel with tables and chairs nearby,” the story read. “We’re not showing the whole body, but you can clearly see his tattoo — a clock on his left forearm, and a scorpion on his abdomen.”

The decision to run the photos drew fierce condemnation on social media. Rylan Clark, a BBC presenter and TV personality, wrote, “TMZfucking shame on you. Disgrace,” on X (formerly Twitter). Singer Alessia Cara wrote, “You’re gross @TMZ.” The sentiments were echoed across the social media platform by horrified fans still in shock from news of Payne’s death.

The site appeared to second-guess the decision. The photos later disappeared from the post, with the copy changed to read, “TMZ has seen a photo showing Liam’s body.”

Though TMZ is known to push journalistic ethical boundaries in obtaining its traffic-friendly scoops, the publishing of celebrity death photos is a line that even it does not typically cross.