DINH DOONG

In the wake of Liam Payne’s untimely death, the former One Direction star’s seven-year-old son, Bear, is set to inherit a fortune of up to £30 million. Payne, who passed away at the age of 31 after a fatal fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, leaves behind not only a legacy of musical achievements but also a substantial financial estate for his young son.

Bear, born on March 22, 2017, at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, was the apple of his father’s eye. From the moment he was born, Payne shared his joy and love for his son with the world. “My close friends and family know there are very few times when I’m left speechless… wow!” Payne wrote on Instagram after Bear’s birth, alongside a heartwarming picture of the newborn, captured by Bear’s mother, Cheryl Tweedy. The former X Factor judge, who cherished the bond between her son and Payne, now faces the reality that Bear will grow up without his father.

In a 2022 interview, Payne expressed his commitment to ensuring Bear’s future was secure. He openly shared that his entire fortune would one day belong to his son. “My life now is his, my money is his. I have actually got several companies that are up and running that I know he can run one day if he wants to or [he can sell them],” Payne revealed.

Despite their separation a year after Bear’s birth, Payne and Cheryl managed to co-parent effectively, with Payne praising Cheryl as “the best mum in the world” for allowing him the space to balance fatherhood and his career. Payne remained a hands-on father, seeing Bear two to three times a week and making sure his time with him was distraction-free. “When I see him, he has 100 percent of my time. I make sure that I’m not on my phone or doing something else,” Payne once said, emphasizing his desire to be a strong, present figure in his son’s life.

Payne’s net worth, which had reportedly soared to nearly £46 million at the height of his fame, has been a topic of interest since his passing. According to Daily Mail, Bear will inherit around £30 million, a significant portion of Payne’s wealth, which he maintained despite his struggles with substance abuse. The fortune includes contributions Payne made towards Cheryl and Bear’s £4 million home in Buckinghamshire, a testament to his dedication as a father even after his split from Cheryl. Payne himself had purchased a nearby property after their breakup to stay close to Bear.

Before his death, Payne often referred to Bear as his “mini-me,” a title that reflected the pride and love he felt for his son. In one of his final social media posts, Payne shared a touching moment with Bear, underscoring their strong bond. His tragic passing has left a void in the lives of his family, friends, and fans, but it is Bear who will undoubtedly carry his father’s legacy forward.

For now, Bear, at just seven years old, faces a future without the father he once saw as a superhero. But as Payne once said, his life and wealth were always meant for Bear. Now, the young boy will inherit not only the fortune but also the responsibility of continuing the legacy of one of the world’s most beloved pop stars.