The “Lemonade” singer aimed at the influencer who interviewed Payne in 2022, where he made controversial remarks about his One Direction bandmates. Although Payne apologized for his statement before his demise, the interview still sparked significant public backlash.

Three years later, Tomlinson remains upset over Paul’s handling of the interview and holds him accountable for the fan’s reaction. 

In a recent sit-down, the “Night Changes” singer did not hold back his feelings as he discussed the intense scrutiny surrounding the famous pop act. 

Tomlinson noted that it’s easy for people to “point the finger” in the aftermath of tragedy, including at the group’s management. However, he has previously stated that he believes the adults on the team did a good job, and he has reiterated this.

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He added that he does not blame anyone for his experience with the band, though he admitted it was difficult being young and constantly under the spotlight. 

The 33-year-old recalled being followed while doing ordinary things, describing the loss of privacy as “dehumanizing.”

However, Tomlinson did have one thing to hold accountable, and that was the rise of social media commentary and journalism, particularly in calling out Paul, whom he deeply resented. 

“I f-cking forever despise [Logan Paul], horrible, horrible little f-cker,” Tomlinson candidly confessed to The Independent. “I think that’s also the problem with some of this new ‘media’… I would like to think most journalists…some journalists have a duty of care.” 

Tomlinson also addressed the controversy surrounding the “Teardrops” singer’s claim of being the quartet’s leader, stating, “It was definitely a role that was assigned to him. That is the truth.”

In his controversial appearance on Paul’s “Impaulsive” podcast, Payne was seen sipping whiskey while claiming that Simon Cowell built One Direction around him and referring to bandmate Zayn Malik as a “d-ckhead,” according to PEOPLE Magazine.

Following the remarks, the former “X Factor” judge apologized in a YouTube clip, saying he was only “angry” at what was happening around him and frustrated about his career. He also revealed he had spent 100 days in rehab after the podcast aired.

He then appreciated his teammates, noting that they stuck by him and even sent Malik a thank-you online. He looked back on the podcast and said it was a “big L and not the Liam kind.”

Earlier this month, Tomlinson spoke out against the negative public perception of Payne following the interview, setting the record straight about who he truly is. 

As The Blast reported, Tomlinson emphasized he felt moved to defend the late singer in his tribute to him, also highlighting his unforgettable impact on the team. 

Tomlinson explained that Payne was largely misunderstood and had genuine intentions, but he could not communicate them clearly. He added that the criticisms Payne faced were unnecessary, and if anything, he was just someone who “wanted to be liked.”

While defending the late “Get Low” singer’s reputation, Tomlinson shared how the band’s 15th anniversary, which took place earlier in the year, was difficult without Payne.

He admitted that in previous years, he had grown somewhat “sick of nostalgia” surrounding the band’s milestones, but this time, the emotions felt entirely different.

He went on to describe his grief, expressing that Payne’s death hit him harder than he expected, even as he had experienced the loss of his mother and sister in the past. 

Since Payne’s death, the group has reportedly grown closer than ever. According to The Blast, his passing served as a wake-up call, prompting the members to stay in regular contact with one another after years of minimal communication. 

Before the tragedy, the quartet had been planning a reunion, and they intend to move forward with those plans. Any future performance will be dedicated to honoring their late member and friend.

However, the reunion may take time, as the members are still deeply grieving the loss of Payne.