Photo: WENN
One Direction's Liam Payne has responded after comments he made on stage were criticised for being heteronormative, saying, "I am in no way shape or form homophobic."
The band were performing in Columbus, Ohio when Payne introduced 'Girl Almighty' by telling the crowd, "This is my favourite song off the last album, and it is about trying to find that number one woman of your life, which none of you can relate to, 'cause most of you are girls. Except for the boys in here, you know what I’m talking about."
His comments were subsequently criticised on Twitter for erasing different sexualities - criticism that Payne did not take kindly to. "lol think some people take things to literal these days [sic]", he tweeted, "not gunna comment on it anymore you guys know what I meant it was meant in general." He did continue to comment though, several times.
I am in no way shape or form homophobic that's a ridicules thing to say and I'm not here to offend people so take it as you will
— Liam (@Real_Liam_Payne) August 19, 2015
So annoying trying your hardest to make people happy in a show and you think about all the notes u tried to hit higher or a little sweeter
— Liam (@Real_Liam_Payne) August 19, 2015
And all some people want to concentrate on was a throw away statement about a song that I love
— Liam (@Real_Liam_Payne) August 19, 2015
Lol this is so insane the more I read I'm like wtf have u ever said something in the wrong way I'm sure every person here has lol
— Liam (@Real_Liam_Payne) August 19, 2015
I'm sorry to those I offended really I am but there's no need for some of the things I'm being called
— Liam (@Real_Liam_Payne) August 19, 2015
Some of his fans responded, explaining why his comments had upset people, and attempting to point out the difference between homophobia and heteronormativity.
@Real_Liam_Payne mean any harm!
— Fern™ (@roamerstothroad) August 19, 2015
@Real_Liam_Payne yeah because erasing peoples' sexualities isn't something to take seriously
— ✿ (@stealsmyheart) August 19, 2015
@Real_Liam_Payne don't be an ASS this comes across so douchey omg
— sum (@lourryfrost) August 19, 2015
@Real_Liam_Payne we don't think you're homophobic. We just think you say some things without thinking first
— erica 10 (@waterfights) August 19, 2015
@Real_Liam_Payne okay but homophobia isn't what we're talking about we're talking about heteronormativity
— tilly (@jesuskinks) August 19, 2015
Last year, fellow One Direction member Louis Tomlinson reacted angrily when The Independent suggested his rainbow-coloured Apple t-shirt might have been worn in support of Apple's CEO Tim Cook, who had recently come out as gay. "I am in fact straight," he replied, despite the fact that the paper never suggested otherwise.
