The release of Liam Payne’s new song has been delayed as his collaborator says “now is not the time” and he wants the singer’s family to “mourn in peace”.
The One Direction star, who died two weeks ago, co-wrote and performed the song “Do No Wrong” with North Carolina singer Sam Pounds.
Ponzi has said that the song, which will be released on Friday, November 1, he hopes will “overshadow the negativity surrounding Payne’s death.”
but, In a statement on TuesdayPonzi said he “decided to do no wrong and leave those freedoms to all family members.”
He added: “I would like all proceeds to go to a charity of their choice (or whatever charity they want).
“As much as we all love the song, now is not the time. We are still mourning Liam’s passing and I hope the family can mourn in peace and prayers.
“We’ll all wait.”
Fans thanked Pounds for delaying the song’s full release, with one saying it was “the right decision” and another saying “there will be a right time in the future, but for now we mourn”.
Last week, Pounds posted footage of the two in the studio, filmed by Payne’s sister Ruth, who also co-wrote the song.
He also posted art showing an angel underneath a broken black heart.
Speaking about the official release of the plans, Ponzi wrote on X: “I pray this will be the blessing to the world that Liam has always dreamed of.
“I pray that angels will comfort you every day as you listen. I pray that this song will be a blessing to Ruth, Little Bear, and the entire family.”
Payne shares his 7-year-old son Bear with Girls Aloud star Cheryl, with whom he was in a relationship from 2016 to 2018.
Following his death, all five of One Direction’s albums returned to the UK Top 40.
After leaving the band, Payne had top ten hits with Rita Ora and Quavo. His last solo song, “Teardrops,” was released earlier this year and peaked at No. 85.
The 31-year-old singer died after falling from a third-floor balcony of a Buenos Aires hotel on October 16.
The Argentine prosecutor’s office is continuing to investigate his death.
