Liam Payne has rceived a backlash after posting a photo of him smoking a cigarette, but the One Direction hottie seems to be taking the criticisms in stride as he went on a movie date with girlfriend Sophia Smith.

Liam Payne and girlfriend Sophia Smith were snapped in Ontario, Canada on Sunday night as they tried to catch a movie.

"Wearing a white T-shirt with black, skinny jeans and a leather jacket the chart-topper looked typically handsome as he clutched a large soft drink and some popcorn," Daily Mail said.

"Taking the lead as he walked towards the screen, he kept a straight face and made little fuss about his rock-n-roll status," it added. "Not far behind was Sophia, who was also dressed casually - with her hair down and hanging down over a tan trench coat."

The One Direction hottie earned the ire of his fans after he posted a black and white photo with a cigarette on his hand.

Liam Payne posted on Instagram a photo of him sitting on the plane and smoking cigarette. It quickly earned a lot of backlash.

One fan wrote, "Ok liams a grown adult ad he can do what he wants but liam if you see this just know that its really dangerous and a lot of people die from this."

Another said, "Oh,Liam,stop smoking please,you're killing themselves slowly,but you're still perfect."

A female fan admonished the One Direction member, writing, "what? ur being fucking stupid because you're smoking when you already know that's a bad thing,so please stop,this hurt us and destroys you,so please my angel,stop,for us."

Previously, it was rumored that Liam Payne and girlfriend Sophia Smith were already engaged.

"Liam Payne is more slippery than a snake habitat these days and after stoking the internet rumours that he and girlfriend Sophia Smith are engaged, One Direction's reps have now denied that there is, in fact, a wedding on the cards for the happy couple," said Sugarscape back in July.