Liam Payne's ex, singer Cheryl, has spoken following the news of the former One Direction singer's death. Payne died on Wednesday, Oct. 16, from a fall in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Cheryl Cole, who shares a 7-year-old son, Bear, with Liam Payne, criticized "abhorrent reports and media exploitation" in the wake of Payne's death.

One Direction performed at the X Factor final in December of 2015 which is reportedly where Cole and Payne met each other once again. At the time, Cheryl was married to her second husband Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini. 2016 - Cheryl splits from second husband amid Liam Payne rumours and couple confirm relationship