I would not. One Direction's Liam Payne laughs off homophobia jibes

One Direction star Liam Payne has hit back at suggestions he is "homophobic".

He went on Twitter after being criticised for comments he is believed to have made during a recent One Direction concert.

Payne wrote: "lol think some people take things to literal these days not gunna comment on it anymore you guys know what I meant it was meant in general.

"I am in no way shape or form homophobic that's a ridicules (sic) thing to say and I'm not here to offend people so take it as you will."

Series of tweets

According to American gossip website JustJared, Payne's comments before performing the song Girl Almighty were what upset fans.

He posted a series of tweets hitting back, asking fans if they'd "ever said something in the wrong way I'm sure every person here has lol".

He apologised to anyone he had offended, and ended his long string of messages saying: "I'm just here to make people smile I kinda consider it my job role."