DINH DOONG

Maya Henry Claims Liam Payne Used Manipulative Tactics

Maya Henry, the former fiancée of singer Liam Payne, recently spoke out about her tumultuous relationship with the artist, shedding light on what she described as manipulative behavior surrounding his mental health.

On the podcast *Internet Is Dead*, Henry recounted that after their breakup, Payne frequently reached out with alarming messages, often suggesting he was in dire emotional distress. She stated, “He would always play with death, saying, ‘I’m going to die, I’m not doing well.’”

Henry characterized these messages as a form of manipulation, implying that Payne was trying to keep her emotionally invested in his struggles. “I always felt like it was to make me feel bad for him,” she explained. In her efforts to support him, she even attempted to encourage him to seek professional help, but he allegedly rejected her offers, opting instead to contact her mother to express his distress.

She recalled how, following the announcement of her book, he contacted her family again with alarming statements. “He called my mom, saying he wasn’t going to be around much longer. I don’t play with death, so I felt compelled to try to help him,” she shared, noting the emotional toll this cycle took on her and her family.

Henry mentioned that even as she prepared to release her book, titled *Looking Forward*, she received calls from Payne’s friends warning her about his mental state.

“They said, ‘This isn’t a good time for him,’ adding that if something were to happen to him, I would be blamed,” she recalled. This, she asserted, further exemplified the manipulative dynamics at play.

Despite her concerns, Henry expressed compassion for Payne, recognizing that he was someone’s son and brother. “I would want someone to help him too,” she said, adding that she believed he took advantage of her and her family’s kindness.

Her novel, which she described as fiction inspired by true events, features a character navigating the complexities of love while dealing with personal demons.

The story includes a subplot where the main character, Mallorie, experiences complications following an abortion, mirroring some of Henry’s own life experiences. “If it were up to me, I wouldn’t have done it, but I also would have lost the person I loved,” she explained, reflecting on the difficult decisions she faced.

In the days leading up to Payne’s tragic passing on October 16, 2023, Henry posted a TikTok video defending herself against online criticism and reiterating her side of the story.

“I made a five-second TikTok about something he talked about on a podcast,” she stated. “It’s okay for him to air out everyone’s dirty laundry, but the minute I respond, I’m the one in the wrong?”

Payne died after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Reports indicate he was dealing with significant personal issues, including legal challenges with Henry. He is survived by his seven-year-old son, Bear, whom he shares with ex-partner Cheryl.

In the realm of entertainment, the lives of iconic figures like Whitney Houston and Craig Mack often serve as cautionary tales. Whitney Houston, known for her unparalleled vocal talent, exchanged vows with Bobby Brown on July 18, 1992, in a lavish ceremony attended by 800 guests.

However, what appeared to be a fairy tale wedding quickly became marred by turmoil. Reports suggest that Houston struggled with substance abuse even before her marriage, a fact later confirmed by her brother after her tragic death.

Bobby Brown recounted in his autobiography that he witnessed Houston using drugs on their wedding day, indicating that the demons of addiction had already begun to infiltrate their lives.

Despite their challenges, the couple celebrated the birth of their only child, Bobbi Kristina, in 1993. However, their relationship became increasingly troubled, characterized by incidents of domestic violence and legal issues.

In 2001, Houston made headlines when she was caught with drugs in Hawaii, leading to a cascade of media scrutiny surrounding her struggles with addiction.

This scrutiny intensified following a 2002 interview with Diane Sawyer, where she famously declared, “Crack is whack,” marking a pivotal moment in public perceptions of her struggles.

Houston’s battles with substance abuse and mental health were compounded by her tumultuous relationship with Brown, which many considered toxic.

Despite their difficulties, it became evident that Houston’s struggles were not solely attributable to Brown, as reports indicated that her addiction issues predated their marriage.

The entertainment industry, often unforgiving, bore witness to Houston’s decline, exacerbated by a system that prioritized image over health.

Similarly, Craig Mack, one of the first artists to sign with Bad Boy Records, faced his own set of challenges within the music industry. Initially celebrated for his success, Mack’s career began to wane as the spotlight shifted to the Notorious B.I.G. and other artists within the label.

Tensions between Mack and label head Diddy grew, culminating in disputes over management and compensation. Mack publicly expressed frustration over perceived exploitation by the industry, suggesting that his refusal to conform to Diddy’s vision contributed to his downfall.

Mack’s career and personal struggles mirrored those of Houston, as both artists found themselves ensnared in the complexities of fame. After leaving Bad Boy Records, Mack retreated from the public eye and embraced a life devoted to his faith, distancing himself from the pressures of the music industry.

His departure was shrouded in rumors of threats and plots against him, suggesting a darker undercurrent within the industry.

As both Houston and Mack navigated their careers, they encountered a unique set of challenges inherent to the entertainment world. The pressures of fame often led to devastating consequences, with addiction serving as a common thread in their stories.

The tragic outcomes of their lives prompt reflection on the darker aspects of the industry and the vulnerabilities of those who inhabit it.

In conclusion, the legacies of Whitney Houston and Craig Mack illustrate the profound impact of substance abuse and the pressures of fame on artists. Their stories remind us of the need for compassion and understanding in an industry that can often be unforgiving.

As we look back on their lives, we are left with a poignant reminder of the importance of mental health and support within the entertainment community.