Nothing says "I'm not homophobic" like a Twitter rant from a boy bander. One Direction's Liam Payne has taken to Twitter to defend both Duck Dynasty and his statements about the show, arguing that just because he appreciates a show about all-American homophobic rednecks, it doesn't mean that he's a homophobe himself.  

Over the weekend, Payne caused a firestorm of controversy when he took to Twitter to tell Duck Dynasty star Willie Robertson -- son of embattled Duck a Dynasty patriarch Phil Robertson -- that he was a big fan of the show, and that he appreciated all that he had done in the name of "family values." 

According to Fashion Times, Liam then returned to Twitter to blast "the critics" who called him out on his homophobic tendencies (apparently failing to realize that the "critics" included some of One Direction's most ardent supporters). 

"Oh my god can someone literally not be a fan if a show without bring labeled WTf I bought dinner the other day it made a news story. I just watched a show and I liked it as most people do stop sitting in my twitter and do your research #lazyjournos," he wrote.

And, according to the Ireland Independent, his rant didn't stop there.

"What I gotta do to please you bastards I'm a 20 year old just living life as you did when u where twenty but in extraordinary circumstances. And I know I'm playing into your hands writing these tweets but I'm sick of stupid stories it's time you all grow up ... and write about things that actually matter not what im gunna have for dinner tomorrow or who I'm a fan if real stories. Sick of all this bull il be back again when the freedom of speech law is back and people don't believe to much into the bulls#!t they read," he ranted.

So, do you think the tweets are much ado about nothing, or are Liam and the rest of 1D homophobes? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!