MUMBAI: One Direction star Liam Payne has lashed out at 'The X Factor' judge Louis Walsh for dissing his pregnant girlfriend and singer Cheryl Fernandez-Versini.

Payne took to Twitter on Thursday to tell Walsh to "shut the f**k up" after the latter swore at a reporter who asked about pregnant Cheryl, reports aceshowbiz

"Congratulations Louis Walsh for setting the worst example on handling media for his band who are about to step into a very hard industry," Payne tweeted.

"Maybe it's about time you realise it's not all about you and shut the f**k up for once, let them speak," he added.

Payne launched the rant after Walsh told the reporter to "f**k off" during a press call for the talent show's big final this weekend.

"Well (Simon Cowell) wouldn't invite Cheryl back because we have (Nicole Scherzinger)," Walsh responded when asked if his pregnant co-judge would return.

"We have Nicole and (Sharon Osbourne), we don't need another girl. No silly questions, seriously. It's not about Cheryl. Don't be stupid man. She's not for me... so f**k off," he added.

(Source: IANS)