The One Direction boy band was a sensation a decade ago. While the boys have made a name for themselves as solo artists after the group split, the experience was different for everyone. For Liam Payne, especially, the journey following the split has been quite controversial. Despite the pressure of stepping out from under the shadow of such a successful boy band, and being entangled in multiple scandals, Payne has never shied away from speaking his mind, even if it sometimes rubs people the wrong way.

In a recent TikTok video, shared by Payne’s girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, the musician was seen praising her date night outfit. However, the words he chose to compliment Cassidy upset fans. "You look good," the 30-year-old told Cassidy. "Nice and covered up for once," he added. Cassidy wore a button-up top, Revolve trousers, a red quilted Chanel bag, and Dior heels for the modest date night look.

Payne and Cassidy have been an item for two years now and have kept their relationship pretty low-key otherwise. Their union came about after Payne called off his complicated engagement with model Maya Henry. And even though Kate Cassidy seemed to take the comment in stride and smiled for the camera regardless, fans have taken offense to Payne's ill-chosen words to praise his girlfriend. 

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Fans took to X, expressing concern for Kate Cassidy as they sensed something might be amiss with Payne's treatment of the influencer

This is not the first time the internet has been upset by celebrities' treatment of their less popular partners. A similar case was seen with Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, and his designer wife, Bianca Censori. Ye was accused of controlling his wife’s outfit choices, with some even claiming that Censori is becoming a puppet for the ‘Donda’ rapper. While Censori has always brushed off these claims, Kate Cassidy was also not affected by Payne’s comment, much to the dismay of fans. “Free her omg,” one fan exclaimed.

Many fans called Payne out on his misogynistic comment about his partner.

After a social media user teased that Liam Payne was displaying some "sass" in his comments, Kate Cassidy responded by saying, "FOR ONCE". While this could simply be light-hearted teasing between the couple, it is being interpreted otherwise across the internet. Nonetheless, fans are definitely not warming to Payne's gesture, no matter the intention.

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What do you think about Liam Payne's remarks about Kate Cassidy? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!