Sam Pounds, the singer and music producer behind the shelved Liam Payne track, Do No Wrong, has hit back at critics who’ve accused him of “profiting” off the singer’s death.

Pounds hit headlines this week when he announced plans to release the song he’d collaborated with Payne on by Friday.

However, days later, Pounds was back in the news when he announced he’d decided to shelve the track “and leave those liberties up to all family members”.

He added he wanted “all proceeds go to a charity of their choosing (or however they desire)” and claimed: “Even though we all love the song it’s not the time yet. We are all still mourning the passing of Liam and I want the family to mourn in peace and in prayer.”

Pounds’ decision to shelve the song came almost two weeks after Payne fell to his death from a third-floor hotel balcony in the Argentinian capital of Buenos Aires.

In the early hours of Thursday, Pounds returned to X to address the criticism he’s faced over the decision to announce the song’s posthumous release and the subsequent U-turn.

In a furious rant on the social media site, Pounds penned: “The narrative SOME of yall (NOT ALL) are pushing is complete garbage and nonsense. (With no true discernment). Where was everyone at when ‘they’ were bullying him on TikTok & now trying to do the same to me? Huh?

“Where were YOU when the media was trying to tarnish his legacy?! Huh? Did you even have the power to change the narrative? NO. I wanted to at least highlight and point the attention to the music & memories WE created.”

Pounds went on to claim Payne “wanted yall to hear our music” and that the 31-year-old had several “happy” and “amazing” ideas during their collaboration.

The producer went on to blast social media users who he accuses of “turning this beautiful tribute into a ‘money’ thing”.

He continued: “The internet doesn’t have to be a breeding ground for negativity! Also yall know it’s a leaked track of the live mix going around. Of course with all TRIBUTES money goes to the family. With genuine ppl THATS THE OBVIOUS and most natural thing to do!”

Issuing a stern response to personal criticism, he added: “Don’t ever disrespect me especially when you don’t know ANYTHING. Calm down and pray and continue to show love for Liam and get his music to number 1 and comfort the family.”

After urging people to “stop the negativity”, he admitted he was “thankful” for his career opportunities but that he “continues to mourn” Payne’s loss, adding “nasty spirits will not tarnish the original energy behind my moment with Liam”.

Wrapping up his lengthy statement on the topic, he branded himself “a black church boy from the south” who uses music to “celebrate and bring comfort”, signing off: “Love your neighbor, Stop fighting amongst each other and be advocates for truth & peace.” (sic)

At the time of writing, neither Payne’s family nor Pounds has announced when Do No Wrong will be released to the public.

In the meantime, the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Argentina is continuing to investigate the circumstances around his death while it’s been reported that the singer’s fall was “captured on CCTV”.

Local journalists have claimed that the police are keeping the footage under wraps as they continue their investigation.

It’s believed that Payne was in a “semi or total unconsciousness” during a substance-induced “psychotic episode” when he fell.

According to ABC News, TMZ and numerous news outlets, preliminary toxicology reports showed signs of “pink cocaine” in Payne’s system – a cocktail of drugs containing methamphetamine, ketamine and MDMA.

Crack cocaine and benzodiazepine were also shown in his system. Final toxicology results aren’t expected to be released for some time.