Toni Cornell has spoken out about the damage that graphic death photos leave on the children of the deceased.
Last week, Liam Payne died after falling from his third-floor balcony at a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Fans around the world mourned the former One Direction member who was 31 when he died.
When his death was announced, photos of his body were released online. Though the photos were only close-ups of his arms and torso to show his tattoos, they were still graphic in nature and eventually, the full photos were released.
Bruce Springsteen says music industry ‘kills young people’ after death of Liam Payne
Toni’s father was the lead singer of the band Soundgarden, Chris Cornell. He struggled with mental health throughout his life and took his own life in 2017.
Photos of Chris’ body were released by TMZ, who also released Liam’s photos. In an Instagram Story post, Toni detailed what it was like finding those shots of her father online years later.
“In the wake of Liam Paynes tragic passing, I feel compelled to speak out about the disgusting, distressing photos released by TMZ including graphic images of his hotel room and body,” she wrote.
Toni continued: “Having seen those photos, I cant help but reflect on my own experience when graphic images of my fathers death were also published by TMZ. As a 12-year-old, I stumbled upon those pictures while scrolling through my iPad, and it was indescribably traumatizing, and something I still carry with me to this day.”
The singer’s daughter noted that seven years after her father’s death, the photos were still available on the internet. She noted that Liam’s photos have been taken off the website, but it “means nothing” as they still live on the internet and are discoverable.
Toni ended her message by noting that Liam’s son, seven-year-old Bear, might one day stumble across the pictures online and be traumatized like her. Liam welcomed his son with his ex-girlfriend, singer Cheryl.
Liam’s family have issued heartbroken tributes to the late singer. His father Geoff Payne, visited the hotel and memorial set up by fans in Argentina after his son’s death.
Click here to follow the Mirror US on Google News to stay up to date with all the latest news, sport and entertainment stories.
DAILY NEWSLETTER: Sign up here to get the latest news and updates from the Mirror US straight to your inbox with our FREE newsletter.
SOAPS NEWSLETTER: Sign up here to the Mirror US soaps newsletter to discover upcoming storylines, big returns and surprise exits.