Louis Tomlinson Blasts Logan Paul Over Liam Payne Interview

Louis Tomlinson at SiriusXM Studios, New York City, September 30, 2025
Louis Tomlinson at the SiriusXM Studios on September 30, 2025. Noam Galai / Getty Images

Louis Tomlinson criticized Logan Paul in a recent interview, saying he will “forever despise” the YouTuber for how Paul conducted an episode of the Impaulsive podcast that featured the late Liam Payne in 2022.

Speaking to The Independent, Tomlinson expressed deep frustration over the episode and the way Payne was portrayed during the discussion. He said the interview was handled irresponsibly and made no effort to soften his language: he described Paul as someone he would “forever despise” and called him a “horrible little f—er.”

Tomlinson also criticized certain corners of today’s media landscape, suggesting that some outlets and hosts lack a proper duty of care when interviewing vulnerable guests. “I would like to think most journalists—some journalists—have a duty of care,” he said, stressing that ethical considerations should guide how sensitive conversations are carried out.

While Tomlinson did not itemize every grievance with Paul’s interview, he noted that fan reaction to Payne’s comments—particularly when Payne suggested he had been the “designated leader” of One Direction—was upsetting. Tomlinson said that role was simply assigned to Payne at the time, and that the public response added further strain.

Liam Payne died in 2024 after falling from the balcony of a fourth-floor hotel room in Argentina. Subsequent toxicology reports indicated he had elevated levels of alcohol in his system at the time. Payne had previously discussed struggles with substance use, and his appearance on Impaulsive two years earlier had already stirred controversy by including candid, sometimes critical remarks about his former bandmates.

In contrast to his criticism of Paul, Tomlinson spoke warmly about Payne. He described their friendship as one that endures despite time apart, and said Payne’s passing has drawn the surviving members of One Direction closer. “The best kind of friends are the ones where, when you eventually do meet up, it’s like no time has passed,” Tomlinson told the outlet, adding that it’s been gratifying to see everyone doing well in their own pursuits.


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