One Direction’s Liam Payne slammed after tweeting support for the ‘family values’ of Duck Dynasty stars
One Direction singer Liam Payne has faced backlash on Twitter after sending a message of support to the son of the Duck Dynasty star Phil Robertson, which praises “the family values you still all behold.”
The Duck Dynasty patriarch Phil Robertson was the centre of a media storm late last year after he questioned in an interview to GQ why gay men would prefer “a man’s anus” over a vagina.
His family, including Willie Robertson, Phil’s son, said earlier this month: ”We’re ready to move on. I think we all learned a lot. We’re just ready to move on, and the family’s happy and ready to go.”
On Saturday, Payne tweeted that he was a fan of the show Duck Dynasty in a message to the Robertson son which read: “huge love to you/your family huge respect for your business prosperities and the family values you still all behold. big fan.”
The tweet immediately sparked controversy among some Twitter users, including gay Youtube star Tyler Oakley, who responded:
Wow. Very confused and disappointed by this @Real_Liam_Payne tweet. This literally changes everything… pic.twitter.com/aQajQdJhfQ
— Tyler Oakley (@tyleroakley) January 18, 2014
Two hours later, the One Direction star attempted to clarify his position:
Being a fan of someones show and the way they still hold a family together doesnt mean i am ok with all they say.
— Liam Payne (@Real_Liam_Payne) January 18, 2014
Following this, the singer continued with a barrage of furious tweets after discovering the controversy had reached mainstream media.
Among the comments he wrote: “Oh my god can someone literally not be a fan if a show without bring labeled WTf I bought dinner the other day it made a news story.
“I just watched a show and I liked it as most people do stop sitting in my twitter and do your research #lazyjournos
“Pick ur balls up off the floor and get on with it instead of taking advantage of every word said and twisting it for your own gain.”
According to Entertainmentwise, the 20-year-old singer has now taken a leave of absence from Twitter.
Payne’s sister, Ruth, said: “My brother tweeted he respected family values not that he supports them.
“At the moment he just needs a break…I hope he has a long time away from twitter now and enjoys his time off without being judged.”
