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Cheryl Cole, Liam Payne's ex and mother to their seven-year-old son Bear, has broken her silence after the singer's tragic and untimely death.
Taking to Instagram, Cole shared a black and white photo of Liam with Bear soon after he was born. Then, on the next slide, she wrote a message in an effort to protect their son. She began by writing, "As I try to navigate this earth shattering event, and work through my own grief at this indescribably painful time, I'd like to kindly remind everyone that we have lost a human being. Liam was not only a pop star and celebrity, he was a son, a brother, an uncle, a dear friend and a father to our 7 year old son. A son that now has to face the reality of never seeing his father again."
Cheryl went on to explain that Bear has to face, not only the death of his father, but "abhorrent reports and media exploitation." She added, "It is breaking my heart further that I cannot protect him from that in his future. I am begging you to consider what use some of these reports are serving, other than to cause further harm to everyone left behind picking up the pieces. Before you leave comments or make videos, ask yourself if you would like your own child or family to read them."
She concluded by saying, "Please give Liam the little dignity he has left in the wake of his death to rest in some peace at last."
Cheryl and Liam dated for two years before deciding to end their relationship. They welcomed their son, Bear, in 2017.