Amid the global mourning for late One Direction member Liam Payne’s tragic death, fans decided to put together a petition to enact legislation safeguarding the mental health of artists in the entertainment industry, named ‘Liam’s Law.’
Launched by user Day KV, the petition explains that enacting the law would help warrant the importance of regular mental health check-ups, sufficient rest periods, and the attendance of mental health professionals on set, as well as ongoing support for celebrities.
“Resultant issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, substance misuse, and even suicide are alarmingly high […] It also points out that as per available research, performers are allegedly more likely “to suffer from these issues compared to the general population,” the petition reads.
The petition further explains that accountability should be held by the industry and that they should be responsible for the well-being of their artists, especially considering Liam Payne’s tragic passing.
“We seek to implore lawmakers to create legislation safeguarding the mental health of artists within the industry,” the petition stated.
The petition claims that ‘Liam’s Law’ would help ensure a healthier, safer, and more conducive working space for artists to reduce their psychological distress.
Furthermore, a similar petition by Chamali Samarasekera titled “Help Protect People in the Public Eye – sign for ‘Liam’s Law’” also surfaced following Liam’s death.
The second petition launched calls for the protection of children and adults in the public scene, significantly those in the entertainment industry.
“The tragic passing of Liam Payne on 16th October 2024 highlights the urgent need for comprehensive safeguarding measures for individuals facing immense pressures in their careers,” the petition reads.
The petition also explains that “better safeguarding, regular medication checks, stronger legal punishments, increased detection and prosecution of online harassment, tougher penalties for stalking and privacy breaches, support for touring challenges, and regular checks for entertainment companies” are crucial to be included in the law.
Fans all over the world made the hashtag #LiamsLaw trending on X (formerly known as Twitter).
“It’s incredibly brave of Liam to speak openly about his struggles with addiction, the root causes, and his journey toward healing. The courage he shows will undoubtedly save countless lives and inspire others to seek help.❤️ #LiamsLaw #Liam_Payne #LiamInOurHearts #liampaynebody,” one X user said.
#LiamPayneForever #LiamPayne #LiamsLaw #JusticeForLiam pic.twitter.com/eoIh3oroDa
— bus1 💔 ❯❯❯❯ 🕊️ (@Bus12809) October 20, 2024
You don’t have to be a fan to sign. This will benefit your faves, too. #LiamsLawhttps://t.co/4SIfECf4ED pic.twitter.com/qc30biDJ16
— Jazz⁷𖧵⁸ (@sleepingpixiee) October 20, 2024
It's incredibly brave of Liam to speak openly about his struggles with addiction, the root causes, and his journey toward healing. The courage he shows will undoubtedly save countless lives and inspire others to seek help.❤️ #LiamsLaw #Liam_Payne #LiamInOurHearts #liampaynebody pic.twitter.com/9Iq6y2piBH
— Ranu (@RanuJyotsna) October 21, 2024
10000 signatures! Keep going guys if the UK petitions were open at the minute, this would have already been discussed at Parliament! My plan is to get it there. Sign sign sign #LiamsLawhttps://t.co/ZrmcXZCt8P pic.twitter.com/SKEAkCl5sk
— Day ×͜×🎸🦋🕺🪐 ꩜⋆.˚ ☾ .⭒˚♡☀️🌴 (@daykv369) October 20, 2024
‘For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.’ But nobody deserves to die https://t.co/5aIUyYTuAd #LiamsLaw
— eaJ (@eaJPark) October 20, 2024
Another X user said, “Liam’s death was PREVENTABLE. If someone helped when he was in the hotel lobby, he may still be here today. Artists are 2X more likely to have substance issues from stress, and we NEED mandated mental health checks to protect them #LiamsLaw #RIPLiam.”
Liam’s death was PREVENTABLE.
If someone helped when he was in the hotel lobby, he may still be here today.
Artists are 2X more likely to have substance issues from stress and we NEED mandated mental health checks to protect them #LiamsLaw #RIPLiam https://t.co/iWDTIY32bT
— Marissa (@azdemgirl) October 20, 2024
Another user tweet contained a call for action on the importance of mental health awareness.
“MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS. No more life is lost in vain, no more parents have to bury a child
no more sister cries over the death of a brother, no more child grows up without a father, no one else cries over the loss of an idol. Let everyone know about #LiamsLaw,” the tweet said.
MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS
no more life is lost in vain
no more parents have to bury a child
no more sister cries over the death of a brother
no more child grows up without a father
no one else cries over the loss of an idollet everyone know about #LiamsLawhttps://t.co/7FxMMStzt7
— Anna . (@vibezofsunshine) October 20, 2024
As of writing, the first petition managed to garner over 24,000 signatures out of the required 25,000.
The second petition has already garnered over more than 300 signatures out of the 500 target.
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