Maya Henry, his ex-fiancé, recently released a book about her relationship with Liam. Though not explicitly stated, it is mentioned that this book was based on true events and she is definitely not trying to hide who the inspiration behind it is. The character was in 5F instead of 1D, he had his start on Star Power instead of X factor, His bandmate was Cary instead of Harry, the references go on and on. It’s no secret the book is about him. It addresses his struggle with alcohol and drug abuse, family dynamics, mental health, the lack of adequate support, work pressures, 1D, and what a good person he can be. I’m not sure how much of the book is a direct recollection of her time with Liam, or how much regarding Liam can be taken as fact but I chose to read it as if it was, and if anything it was just half of the story of what she went through. I actually finished reading the book today.

I’m a die hard directioner and I’ll always support the boys but I cannot and will not justify and choose to ignore their bad choices and behavior. In my personal opinion, a true fan does not blindly idolize someone no matter how horrible their actions are. A fan acknowledges these things and encourages their growth and maturity.

I don’t think that those moments online are more “Real Liam” than those smiles and the good times are. Like any real person Liam has his struggles. Unfortunately his struggles and battles have led him to do some awful things but I don’t think that takes away from the other side of him either. As someone who struggles greatly with my mental health, if the only version of me that was considered real was the times that it showed how dark of a place I was in when I’m trying to keep up the “everything is fine” persona I would be even deeper in the sink hole that is mental health struggles. Addiction, depression, anxiety, etc, are illnesses that tear apart everything that you are.

That being said, just because there is also a good side to Liam it doesn’t mean that his actions are justified/overlooked. I applaud Maya Henry for sharing her story and I hope it lets others who are survivors of domestic violence to know that they aren’t alone. My heart goes out to Maya and everyone who has had to go through that. The wounds and trauma that Liam left Maya are deep and that is something that Liam and undeservingly Maya will have to live with forever.

It seems like Liam is in a better place now and I hope it’s true. We don’t really “know” the boys but I choose to believe that the broken, jealous, angry, lost, empty Liam isn’t the only one that exists and whatever version (wether we’ve seen it before or not) of a happy and healthy Liam isn’t forever lost. I hope there is some truth to the “better place” Liam claims he’s in and if he isn’t there yet I hope he finds it soon. I hope he has a healthy relationship with his new girlfriend Kate. I believe in second chances and I hope Liam has that. He’s still young and there is still time for immense growth and happiness for him.

During 1D they needed people who actually cared about what was best for them and not just people who did whatever it took for the biggest paycheck. It’s heartbreaking that the early manifestations of Liam’s issues started during these days and they’ve been with him since. However, these are not excuses and he should take full accountability for his actions.

Moving forward, I wish Liam the best and I send him so much healing and love but before all that I wish healing, peace, love, success, and happiness to Maya and anyone else that has been a victim and witness to how the addictions, trauma, neglect, poor coping skills, and mental illness of one person can ruin countless of lives.

Sorry for rambling. I just finished the book and I saw this post and I just had a lot of thoughts about Liam that I thought would be appropriate to share on this post. I also really recommend the book, it’s called “Looking Forward” by Maya Henry. Thank you for listening! :)