as some of you may know, my fanfic writing days started with one direction. they were a huge part of my childhood and were a safe space for me when I was going through rough periods. Liam’s death is incredibly shocking and saddening. I think it’s important to realise that multiple things can be true at once:
we can mourn the version of Liam we all grew up with and loved while at the same time disagreeing with the way he became.
we can listen and validate Maya and her stories while also acknowledging that Liam was struggling and how these struggles most likely were a large part of the tragedy that took place yesterday.
the music industry, stardom, and fame in general is twisted. the route is never straight but always crooked, and more often than not it includes drugs, alcohol, and mental health issues. these are things that need to be changed, while also addressing that cases like Maya’s should be heard and affirmed.
overall, this entire situation is double-edged and I still can’t wrap my head around the fact that he is dead. my heart goes out to all of his friends and family, as well as to any one of you who has formed this paradosocial relationship to one of the boys who were such a safe haven for us as teens.