Liam Payne’s girlfriend Kate Cassidy shared very realistic images of herself and Liam Payne – created by the use of artificial intelligence (AI) – as the anniversary of his death approaches
A friend of Liam Payne has branded his girlfriend’s post of artificial intelligence (AI) images of herself and the singer as “completely strange”.
Kate Cassidy, 26, described the use of AI as “a curse” even though she admitted the pictures have helped her remain close to her late partner. The creation, which sees Liam beam as he clutches to Kate, wearing a pink dress with floral patterns, was shared on Instagram, and met with a supportive reaction among Kate’s following.
As they were only on the woman’s Instagram stories, they vanished after 24 hours but one of Liam’s former colleagues describes her decision to post them as “distasteful” and “unhelpful” to his family and loved ones. Thursday marks the one-year anniversary of the singer’s passing.
The friend said: “Who does this? Of course she is fully entitled to remember Liam, but this all feels a bit much. It’s surely triggering for those who loved Liam. There is some sympathy for Kate but creating a photo of them together so soon after his death is completely strange and also upsetting for so many who loved Liam.”
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Speaking to the Daily Mail, the source continued: “His parents are normal people, a normal family who don’t play the fame game, they don’t have time for influencers or TikTokers. They saw what fame did to him and they don’t want any part of it. They will grieve their son for ever, privately.”
But Kate’s post was praised by others, including many of her fans on social media. Some said this week the snaps had helped them grieve. Kate, though, conceded AI was a “blessing and a curse” in her post on Instagram.
One user responded: “This made me cry. He was so special. Liam’s love will always surround you in so many beautiful ways. He is always with you, Kate.”
Kate dated Liam for two years, and rented a luxury pad together in Miami. They even adopting a dog in September 2024. After Liam, 31, fell to his death from the hotel balcony in Argentina, Kate expressed her grief in a heartbreaking Instagram post. It read: “Thank you for all of the kind words and love that has been sent my way. I have been at a complete loss. Nothing about the past few days have felt real. I ask and pray that you’ll give me the grace and space to navigate this in private. Liam, my angel.
“You are everything. I want you to know I loved you unconditionally and completely. I will continue to love you for the rest of my life. I love you Liam.”