In the band’s video for 2013 song “Best Song Ever”, Payne, 27, and his band mates dressed up as several characters, including one inspired by disgraced film producer Harvey Weinstein.
While Payne was not the one dressed as Weinstein – that was Niall Horan – he has now revealed that the video plays on his mind to this day.
Payne discussed the video with its director, Ben Winston, during an Instagram Live Q&A.
“We couldn’t make that video these days,” Winston said. “We based a character on Harvey Weinstein. Listen, he was just a famous guy…”
Payne replied: “I know. I often think about that. Jesus Christ.”
In 2020, Weinstein was sentenced to 23 years in a New York state prison after his conviction on two felony sex crimes.
The sentencing was the culmination of a two-year fall from grace for the once influential Hollywood producer, after his sexual abuse of women was revealed.
Weinstein was convicted of sexual assault and third-degree rape, but was acquitted on more serious counts of predatory sexual assault and first-degree rape.
