US outlet TMZ slammed for sharing photo of Liam Payne’s body following death in fall from Buenos Aires hotel balcony

US news outlet TMZ has been slammed online for sharing a photo of the late Liam Payne’s body after he fell from the third floor of CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Argentina.

The former One Direction star, 31, was found near the pool area of his hotel in Buenos Aires on Wednesday evening.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Liam Payne dead at 31.

TMZ obtained a photo showing Liam’s body on a wooden deck at the hotel with tables and chairs nearby,” the outlet said in their story.

The outlet cropped the image to only show identifiable tattoos on his arm and waist.

“We’re not showing the whole body, but you can clearly see his tattoo — a clock on his left forearm, and a scorpion on his abdomen.”

The decision drew immense criticism online with many high-profile figures slamming the outlet.

“You’re gross @TMZ,” singer Alessia Carra said.

TMZ f****** shame on you. Disgrace,” BBC presenter Rylan Clark said.

“How dare you post those photos,” one X user said.

“TMZ being like ‘Yeah we obtained a picture of liam payne’s dead body,’ What the f*** is wrong with them literally,” added another.

One wrote: “Let’s not forget you felt good with posting his dead body.”

“Publishing the photo of his body even if his face was cropped out is so SICK! You ppl are so evil,” added another.

Following the backlash the outlet removed the photos however added the sentence: “TMZ has seen a photo showing Liam’s body”.

Payne, 31, allegedly fell from the third floor of CasaSur Palermo Hotel shortly after 5pm local time, with his body reportedly found in an internal courtyard.

The boutique hotel has 61 rooms and a four-star rating.

According to La Nacion the local police station was called by the hotel manager who reported “an aggressive man who could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol”.

The fall was reportedly 13m to 14m and Payne suffered “very serious injuries incompatible with life”.

A red tent is set up around the scene and investigations are ongoing.

Payne rose to global fame as part of the British boy band sensation One Direction, who formed on The X Factor UK in 2010 and went on to become one of the best-selling boy bands of all time.

Following the group’s split, Payne embarked on a solo career, releasing singles such as Strip That Down and Stack It Up.

On October 2 Payne was spotted at former bandmate Niall Horan’s concert in Argentina.

His bandmates have not yet made a public statement about his death.

Payne is father to a seven-year-old son, Bear, whom he shares with singer Cheryl Cole.