Liam’s quotes for the Prouder campaign haven’t gone down well (Picture: Getty/Metro)

People all around the world are celebrating their right to express their sexuality and be treated as equal in Pride marches and events.

The UK are gearing up for their own celebration, too, with London’s Pride parade taking place on 7 July.

But it appears this may have gone over Liam Payne’s head.

The One Direction star is getting a lot of stick on social media after appearing to confuse the meaning of Pride in an interview.


Liam is one of the stars taking part in Adidas’s Prouder campaign, which sees celebs including David Beckham, Kate Moss, Pharrell Williams and Nick Grimshaw decorating Adidas Samba trainers.



When asked what makes him proud, however, the 24-year-old took the phrase a bit too literally.

Liam told the Evening Standard: ‘I think since I’ve had a little boy, everything changes in life.

‘I’m aiming more for him to be prouder of me, and already he’s making me a better man, which I think is incredible.’

The Strip That Down singer believing Pride meant being proud of your own achievements was, unsurprisingly, rinsed:

I’m all for allies vocalising their support but understand what you’re supporting. It’s not about making your children proud of you. It’s about rights you will never understand. It’s about equality you have. Check your privilege @LiamPayne and please do some research on #Pride. https://t.co/8XDLJaiUmV — Jaqueline (@Jurassic_JP) June 26, 2018

It appears that they asked Liam Payne what he thought about Pride, and he answered about pride. As in: being proud. — Andrea Mann (@AndreaMann) June 26, 2018

In Liam’s defense, his full quote for the Prouder campaign did sort of mention the reasons behind the month – with the dad-of-one saying that life would be better if we ‘all came together a bit more’ and ‘If we all aimed for a better future, it would be easier.’

Liam will be attending London Pride on the Prouder float as an ally, too. And you know, it’s all for a good cause.

Other stars had a bit more clarity when it came to the Prouder campaign.

David Beckham said: ‘What makes me proud in 2018 is the world that we live in — the diversity, the quality, the creativity … I have a young family and I want them to grow up in a world where they are given a chance, where they are part of that diversity and equality. I think we’re in a really positive place and it can only get better.’

Liam’s rep declined to comment.

The celeb-designed Samba trainers will be shown in a free exhibition at the HENI Gallery in Soho during London Pride Week from 4 to 10 July. Proceeds from an eBay auction on 3 July will go to the Albert Kennedy Trust, which helps members of the LGBTQ+ community facing homelessness.

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