Netflix is facing significant backlash over its upcoming talent competition series, Building the Band, which features the late Liam Payne as a guest judge. Critics, including fans and members of Payne’s family, accuse the streaming giant of exploiting the singer’s tragic death for commercial gain.
Payne, who passed away in October 2024 after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, had completed filming his segments for the show just months prior. The series, co-judged by Nicole Scherzinger and Kelly Rowland and hosted by AJ McLean, was initially set to premiere in early 2025.
Following Payne’s death, Netflix announced plans to proceed with the series’ release. This decision sparked outrage among fans and Payne’s family, who felt blindsided by the announcement. According to reports, the family believed discussions about the show’s content and release were still ongoing and had not given final approval .
In response to the backlash, Netflix has reportedly made significant edits to the series, reducing Payne’s screen time to avoid perceptions of insensitivity or exploitation. Executives aim to strike a balance between honoring Payne’s contributions and respecting the grief of his loved ones .
This controversy is not isolated. Earlier, TMZ faced criticism for releasing a documentary titled Liam Payne: Who’s To Blame, which included graphic details and images related to Payne’s death. Fans condemned the documentary as invasive and disrespectful, leading to widespread calls for boycotts .
As the release of Building the Band approaches, the debate continues over how to appropriately honor Liam Payne’s legacy without crossing ethical boundaries. Netflix’s handling of the situation underscores the challenges media companies face when dealing with posthumous content involving beloved public figures.
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