Liam Payne‘s girlfriend Kate Cassidy is defending herself amid a painful time.
Nearly three months after the One Direction singer was laid to rest following his fatal fall from a hotel balcony in Argentina, Kate is opening up about the negative commentary she said she received after his passing.
More specifically, the model recalled getting death threats and comments about what she wore to his funeral in November, with some user criticizing her makeup and accusing her of wanting attention.
“I genuinely wanted to just look beautiful for my boyfriend one last time,” Kate told The Sun in an article published Feb. 6. “That’s how he would want to see me, and that’s how I would want him to see to remember me by.”
But as the influencer, 25, shared, she’s able to navigate the negativity by remembering the singer’s advice to her.
“Liam would want me to be as strong as I can be, and just have a thick skin,” she told the publication. “That’s one thing he always taught me. He grew up in this life, and he always was just so positive about it and said, ‘Don’t let any hate get to you.'”
That said, Kate noted she can see the perspective of where some fans are coming from.
“I understand that some of the more negative comments come from a place of loving Liam, and concern, and caring for Liam,” she explained. “So, I understand that because I love Liam too. But for sure it’s hard because obviously any criticism will get to you.”
Earlier this week, Kate also shared insight into the couple’s final days together, noting that Liam “was in such a good headspace” when she left Argentina prior to his death.
“We were in such a great place, just full of love; he was so happy and positive,” she told The Sun in an article published Feb. 5. “And I just can’t even believe the way things truly ended.”
Keep reading for a closer look at the couple’s relationship…
Sealed with a Kiss
Prior to Liam Payne‘s tragic passing at the age of 31, the One Direction alum had been dating Kate Cassidy for two years.
Snowed In
But the truth is Kate—a self-identified Directioner—had been manifesting their relationship since she was only 10 years old, she previously revealed.
Happy Family
During their relationship, the pair enjoyed being dog parents to Kate’s pup Nala. In fact, Liam once joked about his many “random” nicknames for their pet, laughing that “none of them have to do with Nala.”
Adventuring
The couple also often documented their trips around the world and had been together in Argentina in the weeks leading up to Liam’s death in Buenos Aires.
Happiest Together
Two days after Liam’s death, Kate—who had left Argentina prior to her boyfriend’s fatal fall—shared her heartbreak over his passing, noting “nothing about the past few days have felt real.”
The Man Behind The Fame
Kate continued of her late love, “I want you to know I loved you unconditionally and completely. I will continue to love you for the rest of my life. I love you Liam.”
Her Forever Partner
In an additional heartbreaking tribute, shared just one week after the “For You” singer’s death, Kate reflected on how he will always be with her.
“Liam, I know we’ll be together forever, but not in the way we had planned,” she wrote. “You’ll always be with me. I’ve gained a guardian angel. I will love you for the rest of my life and beyond, carrying our dreams and memories with me everywhere I go.”
Lasting Love
Within the tribute, the 25-year-old also shared that that she and Liam had looking toward their future and he had written about his plans to marry her.
“A few weeks ago, we sat outside on a beautiful evening manifesting our lives together,” Kate wrote. “I keep your note close, even though you told me not to look at it. It said, ‘Me and Kate to marry within a year/engaged & together forever 444.'”
