ONLINE TROLLS LAY INTO BABY BEAR
After six weeks, Liam Payne and Cheryl finally named their baby son – but the quirky choice sparked a backlash…
Cheryl and C boyfriend Liam Payne have kept details about their baby boy largely private since his birth on 22 March. But last week it was revealed they’d finally settled on the name Bear for their newborn.
One Direction star Liam appeared to confirm the news, when he responded to survival expert Bear Grylls’ congratulatory Tweet, replying: “Thanks man hope he grows with an ounce of your courage!”
BEING PROTECTIVE
But not everyone felt as positive about the unusual name, and it wasn’t long before “Baby Bear” sparked a series of viral memes and cruel comments.
Reality star Stephen Bear also poked fun, mocking up a photo of the couple holding him as their new baby.
Now sources say Cheryl – who at the time Closer went to press had not been seen in public since giving birth – has vowed to be even more protective of Bear.
A source says: “Cheryl accepts that because of how famous she and Liam are there will be huge interest around the baby – and it’s one of the reasons she never officially announced the pregnancy. The backlash over the name has made her even more protective over Bear.”
After the name was announced, one online troll Tweeted: “The child has to live with the name for life. These people have no common sense,” while another posted: “This is the worst name ever. Hope this is a joke.”
The source adds: “Cheryl’s seen Princess Charlotte and Harvey Price being targeted by trolls, so she’s naturally concerned about Bear’s future.”
STYLING LIAM
Cheryl, 33, hasn’t been spotted at a public event since last November, and her reps confirmed that she wouldn’t be making her annual redcarpet appearance for L’oréal at the Cannes Film Festival this month.
In contrast Liam, 23, flew out to LA last month to work on his solo album, and was spotted at the same club as Beyoncé and Jay-z.
Sources say that Cheryl is supportive of Liam’s solo career, and has been helping to style him in an effort to make his image a little edgier as he prepares to release his new record.
A source says: “Cheryl’s proud of Liam, but is happier when he’s at home with her and Bear. She likes to stay involved in his work and he values her opinion.”
Liam was also spotted in London by fans and told one that he and Cheryl had been enjoying daytime TV as new parents – particularly Judge Rinder.
A source reveals: “Cheryl is still in full-on mummy mode, and she’s had visits from close family and her Girls Aloud pals Kimberley and Nicola.
“She isn’t in a hurry to lose her baby weight, and at the moment is just happy getting a bit of exercise by going for walks around the grounds of their Surrey home with the baby. She’s told pals she just wants to be a good mum to baby Bear.”