Kate Cassidy claps back at backlash over AI images of late Liam Payne

Kate Cassidy, the girlfriend of the late Liam Payne, has defended herself after receiving heavy criticism for sharing AI-generated images featuring her deceased partner.

The One Direction singer tragically passed away at the age of 31 on 16 October 2024, after falling from a third-storey hotel balcony.

On 20 September, Cassidy posted a collection of AI-generated photos on Instagram, created by a fan. 

“Thanks for making these. AI is such a blessing and a curse,” the 26-year-old influencer captioned the post.

The images depicted her in a pink fitted maxi dress alongside Payne in a beige-pink suit, embracing and smiling in various poses.

Notably, the posts attracted criticism from some followers and media outlets, with accusations that she was seeking attention by using images of her late boyfriend.

In response, Cassidy uploaded a video to TikTok, addressing the backlash: “Please stop judging the way people grieve, bashing me for finding comfort and peace in seeing photos of me and Liam created with AI.” 

“None of you have ever been in my position, and hopefully you never will. So please, kindly stop telling me how to grieve or what I should or shouldn’t find comfort in. Mourning is different for everyone. There is no right or wrong, and grief is not linear,” she continued.

For those unfamiliar, this is not the first time she has mentioned the singer; Cassidy previously shared posts on Instagram on 29 August to celebrate Payne’s birthday.

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