What did Michael Buerk say about Liam Payne? BBC journalist comes under fire over remarks on singer's death

Former BBC presenter Michael Buerk is seemingly getting blasted across social media platforms after sharing his remarks about late singer Liam Payne. This comes after the latter passed away on October 16 after falling off of a Buenos Aires, Argentina, hotel balcony. The former opined that the media coverage regarding the One Direction bandmate’s death was much more than required.

Recently, Michael Buerk appeared on Radio 4’s show Today to discuss foreign reporting and how it had changed in the past few years. The journalist, who semi-retired in 2002, opined that there was not much serious reporting being done by publications. He then said:

“It was only last week that I think this program decided that the most important thing that had happened in the world was that a drugged up, faded boy band singer had fallen off a balcony. Even the 10’ O’ Clock News, which is normally good on these things, thought it was the second most important thing that had happened in the world.”

Buerk, who worked with BBC for nearly 30 years, then added that news outlets failed to discuss what was happening globally as they covered the “same half dozen stories.”

Several internet users found the journalist’s comments about Liam Payne insensitive. Some comments online read:

“ It’s just very rude and inappropriate to say it publicly while his family and friends are still mourning and (to my knowledge) probably have not even buried him yet. He could’ve kept this to himself,” a Reddit user said.

“I understand with online culture lately it feels like it's almost an obligation to fire shots at people while their family is still grieving but I think in most cases that should still not be the case. Have some sensitivity for goodness' sake,” another platform user commented.

“oh he’s risking it all, the cancellation is on its way,” a netizen said online.

Michael Buerk was best known for his landmark 1984 Six O’ Clock News bulletin appearance. He had not responded to the public backlash at the time of writing this article. Meanwhile, other netizens said:

“Just objectively, I think what he’s saying is pretty tactless. I get that it may seem like the news does recycle several of the same stories but Liam was a very famous person who had a huge fan base. One Direction had a pivotal role in pop culture at their peak. He didn’t die of old age or had a known sickness, so it was shocking,” a Reddit user said.

“Why on earth would you say something like that about someone who JUST passed away,” another internet user said.

“Imagine if his dead child was spoken about in such a fashion,” an X user said.

The Argentine police reported that Liam Payne died of “polytrauma” and “internal and external hemorrhage.” The toxicology report also found multiple drugs, including cocaine and cristal, among others, in his body.

Nonetheless, several internet users opined that Payne and his family deserved to be treated with respect. Other comments online read:

“I can’t disagree more with Michael Beurk’s take on the Liam Payne tragedy & how it hits. Every human life has value mate,” an X user said.

“you should apologise to every Directioner on your tasteless views,” another platform user said.

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More about Liam Payne’s shocking passing as BBC journalist seemingly expresses rage over media coverage of the singer's death

Emergency services made it to the Buenos Aires hotel after an employee called them for help as they needed assistance with an “aggressive man who could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.”

The police arrived moments after Liam Payne died. In the 911 call, an employee was heard saying:

“We need you to send up someone urgently because well, we don’t know if the guest’s life is at risk. He is in a room that has a balcony. And well, we’re a bit afraid that he does something that could put his life at risk.”

During their investigation following Payne’s passing, the police found his hotel room “in complete disarray” and “various items broken,” including the presence of drug paraphernalia.

Liam Payne was in the Argentine capital alongside his girlfriend Kate Cassidy as the duo were attending former One Direction bandmate Niall Horan’s MovieStar Arena concert. Cassidy departed from the country just two days prior to Payne’s death.

Liam Payne who was 31 years old at the time of his death, is survived by his seven year old son, Bear.