Liam Payne was reportedly dropped by Universal Music just days before his death.
The late One Direction star died on Wednesday aged 31 after falling off a balcony at a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
After the band went on hiatus in 2015, Liam went on to sign with Universal’s Capitol Records imprint before falling under the main label after a recent reshuffle.
He launched his solo career in 2016 aged just 22, but he is no longer listed online under the label’s artists and writers.
Sources have told MailOnline he has axed by Universal just last week, with an insider saying: ‘Liam’s advance was massive and he didn’t recoup [it]. Out of all of the One Direction boys, Liam was on the wrong path musically.’
Despite releasing new single Teardrops earlier this year, fans were still waiting on his follow-up to 2019’s debut solo album LP1.
After the tragic news of Payne’s death, Universal Music Group shared a tribute on social media, which read: ‘We are devastated by the tragic passing of Liam Payne.
‘His legacy will live on through his music and the countless fans he inspired and who adored him. We send our deepest condolences to Liam’s family and loved ones.’
The same tribute was reposted by Capitol Records.
One Direction – who have been on hiatus since 2015 – shared a joint statement after the sad news, saying they are ‘completely devastated’ by Payne’s death.
They continued: ‘In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly.
‘The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us.
‘We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam.’
Louis Tomlinson made an emotional promise to Payne and Chery’s son Bear in his own tribute, while also hailing his late bandmate as an ‘incredible song writer with a great sense of melody’.
He added: ‘We often spoke of getting back in the studio together to try and recreate the writing chemistry we had built up in the band.’
Metro.co.uk has contacted Universal Music for comment.
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