Cheryl Cole: Liam Payne's Death Is 'Earth Shattering'

British pop singer Cheryl Cole has posted a tribute to her late ex, Liam Payne. Liam and Cheryl are the parents to seven-year-old son, Bear. The couple dated from around 2016 to 2018. Their son was born in 2017.

The couple met somewhat notoriously when Liam was just 14 years old and auditioning for the UK version of The X Factor, where Cheryl was a judge. Two years later, Liam returned to the show at age 16, where he was introduced to future One Direction bandmates Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson and Niall Horan. The group would go on to become hugely successful before disbanding in 2016.

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Liam passed away at the age of 31 on Wednesday, Oct. 16 after falling from a third story balcony at the Casa Sur hotel in Buenos Aires. Argentinean officials said that Liam jumped from the balcony.

Cheryl Cole: Liam Payne's Death Is 'Indescribably Painful'

Cheryl Cole broke her silence on the passing of Liam Payne on Instagram on Friday, Oct. 18.

The singer posted a black-and-white image of Liam and their son, Bear, as a baby. She also shared an image with text that began, "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."

Cheryl didn't go into detail about her and Liam's relationship, or where they stood at his time of death. She did, however, take the opportunity to share some of her thoughts about the coverage of his death.

Cheryl Cole Blasts 'Media Exploitation'

Cheryl Cole went on the blast the media for adding to her grief.

"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," the mother shared, lashing out at media outlets who have exploited the singer's death.

"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."

Cheryl Cole Latest To Publicly Grieve Liam Payne

Cheryl Cole's post came after public memorials from other celebrities in Liam Payne's orbit, like Simon Cowell, the official One Direction Instagram account, and all the remaining members of One Direction: Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles and Zayn Malik.