In a candid and emotionally charged statement, singer Cheryl Cole has opened up about a deeply personal decision: why she chose to deny Zayn Malik—her former bandmate and late boyfriend—access to Liam Payne’s only child, whom she shared with the former One Direction star before his untimely passing.
The 40-year-old pop star and former Girls Aloud member, who has largely kept her personal life private in recent years, spoke out during a recent interview, shedding light on the protective instincts that influenced her controversial decision. The statement comes amidst growing media speculation and public curiosity surrounding her relationship with Zayn Malik and her son’s connection to his late father.
“I promise to risk whatever it takes to protect my child,” Cheryl stated firmly. “And to keep him away from unnecessary secrets at his age. I hope Malik understands.”
Zayn Malik, who rose to fame alongside Liam Payne as part of the global boyband One Direction, reportedly reached out in hopes of establishing some form of relationship or communication with the young boy after Payne’s tragic death. Sources close to the situation claim Malik felt a sense of responsibility to honor the memory of his longtime friend and bandmate by being present in the child’s life.
However, Cheryl remained resolute in her decision, explaining that her son—still very young—is not yet in a place to fully grasp the complexities of his father’s past relationships or the intricacies of the group’s history.
“This is not about bitterness or blame,” Cheryl continued. “It’s about timing, healing, and what’s in the best interest of a child who has already experienced a tremendous loss. Some things can wait until he’s old enough to ask the questions himself.”
Her remarks have sparked widespread conversation online, with many praising her maternal instinct and others questioning the dynamics between the former One Direction members. Malik has yet to publicly respond to Cheryl’s comments.
Liam Payne, who passed away unexpectedly last year due to reported complications from a long-term health condition, shared a brief but passionate relationship with Cheryl, resulting in the birth of their son, Bear, in 2017. The couple eventually separated but remained co-parents until Payne’s death.
As Cheryl navigates life as a single mother and public figure, she appears to be prioritizing emotional safety and stability for her son above all else. Her heartfelt message to Zayn Malik seems less like a rejection and more like a plea for understanding in a delicate and emotionally layered situation.
“It’s never easy,” Cheryl concluded. “But I’m doing what any mother would do—shielding her child from what he’s not yet ready to carry.”
