Do you Know the Enemy: Who Exactly Is Steven Bartlett?

 

“Don’t be blinded by the lies” – Billie Joe Armstrong

Let's take a brief stroll down memory lane, shall we? Some of this will be painful, but given the recent announcement on September 15 that Steven Bartlett will conduct an upcoming interview with Louis Tomlinson, here's a reminder of who Louis will be dealing with and how Bartlett's platform has been used before to establish narratives for a member of One Direction.

Let's start from the beginning. Narnia was curious when Louis was sat next to Steven Bartlett in the Old Trafford locker room during Soccer Aid this past summer. That curiosity turned to concern when, on June 19, 2025, four whole days after the event, a delayed comment from Bartlett appeared from out of nowhere,  "Great catching up with you mate Louis Tomlinson."  Followed by a friendly 'bro' fist bump emoji (we guess to show mutual respect/approval) and a red-heart emoji. Really???

Red Heart – Love, passion, deep affection.

Mate? Are we joking. Then, to keep the bestie vibe messaging going, this belated post appeared on July 6, from a "One Direction" account:

Louis catching up with his teammate Steve Bartlett

Okaaaay? 

Now, just two months later, Bartlett announces an upcoming interview with One Direction "Legend", Louis Tomlinson. Remember, Louis wants us to ask questions, and that's exactly what Narnia is doing.

Don't forget that Bartlett showed up from out of nowhere with the same Diary of a CEO format on June 6, 2021 to "interview" Liam Payne about his "demons". This was the interview that established the narrative which was to transform Liam's media image with the public as well as parts of the 1D fandom forever. The pivotal exchange where we "learned" about Liam's longstanding bouts with depression. His addiction to alcohol. How he experienced suicidal ideation. In other words, we were told what we needed to know to set the stage for what we were going to see for the next three and one-half years. 

Since spoon feeding was the point to lay a solid foundation for what was to come, TPTB heaped their plot points at the One Direction fandom as if they were shoveling coal into a blast furnace. To address questioning fans who might wonder where all this angst was coming from, Liam made sure to add that he was great at hiding his struggles. [Hint: that's why the world never caught on before 2021.] Gotcha! A full transcript of the “interview” followed practically in real time, something Narnia had never seen before. Obviously done to make sure Liam's "words" would shoot through the fandom with lightening speed. 

This was the interview where Liam intentionally wore two strings of the infamous three strand diamond necklace directly associated with Zayn. The item that was so well-known among Ziams that even the Daily Mail had to write about the "touching" gesture in November 2024 after Z proudly wore a strand to that very public "funeral". An obviously desperate attempt by the tabloid to minimize the meaning behind Zayn's message. Just a bro diamond necklace shared between mates. Nothing to see here. /snark

And don't forget how Liam also communicated what was really happening to him in that Bartlett interview with the word "Frame" displayed on his t-shirt.

November 20, 2024

Slang for frame (informal):  to incriminate (an innocent person) through the use of false evidence, information, etc.

Zayn wearing matching diamond necklace strand, 2023 magazine shoot

After that damaging podcast interview, Bartlett made sure to hang out with Liam as if he was his best buddy. Which is how he was portrayed from that moment on. Seeee? I didn't ambush Liam. We are besties. Nothing sinister is going on here.

Out on the town, 6.12.21

Bartlett and Liam 6.13.21, UEFA European Championship

Just bros hanging out two times within a week after the podcast heard round the world. Oh, and let's not forget either, that Bartlett was essential to establishing another narrative at the time. Liam the entrepreneur and NFT promoter. Music? What's that? 

Just three days after the Bartlett podcast:

We also know there is a Simon Cowell connection because, once again, from out of nowhere, Bartlett suddenly "interviews" Cowell on 6.10.24. Anyone with even a passing familiarity with Simon Cowell knows that when he goes on the record, he usually wants to sell a certain narrative or position himself for some other self-dealing benefit. This was the infamous interview where Cowell, besides trying to humanize himself, (good luck with that!) states that the only regret he has regarding One Direction is that he didn't own the band name. 

It's also the moment in which he suddenly reverses course after years of saying otherwise, that he doesn't think the group will ever get together again. Adding for the record that the members of the group owned the rights to One Direction, which means any of the four could prevent future use or collaborations with the group. Uh-huh. Considering this man's reputation for iron clad contracts and the long-term exploitation of others, Narnia finds it hard to believe that a 51-year-old music mogul let a group of teenagers hoodwink him. He knew the value of that name if the band were to hit it big, and would have made sure he would be the one to exploit that stream of revenue. That he would be the one to retain control.

Like someone on twitter commented at the time, Cowell's "regretful" disclosure in such a public format seemed peculiar:

Let's just say, one wonders if the reason One Direction has never reunited is because they weren't allowed to.  Moreover, the fact that Bartlett's former manager was hired just a few months after his interview with Cowell is probably just a coinkydink as well. That's right. Lauren Clark is now a director in YMU's Global Entertainment Division. The music industry's own version of a spoils system at work.

Narnia will conclude here even though there is plenty of additional evidence about the sabotage that followed Liam in the wake of that June 2021 Bartlett interview. That target on Louis' back that we spoke about in our previous post, is real and Steve Bartlett is no innocent bystander. 

Sources: Instagram, Facebook, Deadline, CapitalFM, Twitter, Tumblr, The Perfect Magazine, Diary of a CEO, World Tomlinson, Diary of a CEO, Soccer Aid.

Our Playlist:  Do You Know the Enemy - Green Day

                       Instant Karma - John Lennon

                       I Won't Back Down - Tom Petty

A Dive Bar, Games of Chance, and Outlaws: Could One Direction be Fireproof, After All?

Having a "target on one’s back" is a well-known idiom, likely stemming from the battlefield where an undefended warrior would become a prime target of enemy combatants. Within a civilian framework, the more graphic designation typically describes someone vulnerable to reputational damage, often with a focus on career sabotage or coordinated marginalization. Someone singled out as a main rival to the status quo, or a perceived threat to an established system. 

Being exposed to such a contentious environment, especially over a sustained amount of time ("25 and it's all planned") requires the resiliency to survive and a deep-rooted optimism ("faith in the future). Coincidentally, two recognizable traits possessed in abundance by a very familiar someone who notably kick-started the new year with a cheeky social media post of a Triple 20; the highest single target score on a dartboard. Forgive the mixed metaphor, but "I roll, and I roll, 'til I change my luck". In other words, someone who understands that success means staying in the game.

New Orleans, February 6, 2025

Hmm. Let's see. Target on one's back. A threat to the established system. The focus of longstanding disparagement and career setbacks. Vulnerable to attack and public scrutiny. Yet somehow, through trials and tribulations, an individual who is able to still retain a fun-loving approach to life. Sounds an awful lot like one of Narnia's most popular protagonists doesn't it? 

Hey, there, Louis!

Lollapalooza India, March 9, 2025

Now why does Louis have a target on his back? Well, that's the overarching question isn't it?

Over the last 15 years, we certainly know an awful lot about outcomes because there have been reams of documented repercussions (hit jobs) relative to Louis' pursuit of a musical career. Records blacklisted from being played on radio stations. Lack of, or outright incompetent, promotion. Interviews focused on reinforcing contractually imposed narratives like "parenthood", personal tragedies, and tabloidish One Direction chatter.  As opposed to shining the spotlight on Louis as an up-and-coming solo artist. And let's not forget the intentional harassment and subversive fragmentation of his loyal fandom and all those adverse headlines and social media contrivances by co-opted "managers" and compromised PR reps. 

Then there's been the multitude of coordinated media manipulations by TPTB regarding Louis' public image and crafted storytelling. Plots and strategies that began early on, while Louis was still a teenage band member in One Direction. The devoted boyfriend with the "supermodel" girlfriend. A homophobic, laddy lad persona created to alienate fans and the public in general. The beginnings of the enforced closeting and other collateral contractual restrictions that continue to open up Louis to fandom hostilities whenever he tries to project his real self.  

Now, let's ask that pesky "Why?" question again.

Louis' "Achilles" heel

The same vulnerability that has Harry trudging around like a prisoner, walking in circles around NY for a week ("in a strange way, we're all in this together") followed, of course, by pap shots galore. Het headlines at the ready. 

Prisoner stripes, handcuffed hands/arms restrained behind his back 9.7.25

Louis mirroring the same pose in Franklin, TN, the very next day 9.8.25

A copy of a copy of a copy. With the added recurrent theme of playing darts (a game of chance and skill). While supposedly filming a video.

August 25, 2025

September 3, 2025

September 5, 2025

September 6, 2025

September 9, 2025

In the meantime, Harry answers the viewers' "Why?" while continuing to send subliminal messages to those who have always seen him for who he is. Walking past "Jeffrey's" Grocery in the West Village during one of his many recent pap walks. His stunt jacket propped strategically on his right shoulder in front of the camera's lens. All the while showing the public just how staged these perp (Oops! Narnia means pap) walks really are. Something Louis does as well. All the time. Remember these guys are media savvy. 

Don't ever think these guys have stopped sharing their truth or finding imaginative ways to resist their oppressors. After more than fifteen years, they continue to celebrate their love and navigate through tricky situations when passively accepting their fate would be far less perilous. Remember that "Wired" Autocomplete interview from November 6, 2019? The one where Louis told us how his friends, pre-X Factor days, called him Lewis.

Well, before I was on The X Factor, sorry,

all my friends from back home,

they called me Lewis, I mean, my name is Louis.

But they called me Lewis,

that's what I was known as back home.

Well, here's a determined, ornery and feisty Harry demonstrating his well-honed wily ways by figuring out how to honor his ceaselessly supportive (Hopeless Romantic) partner of thirteen years at the Brit Awards in 2023. That irreplaceable someone who either should have shared the stage with Harry that night, or had the camera scanning to his proud and jubilant face in the audience. Shove it Sony/Cowell.

Brit Awards, February 11, 2023

A man meant to be shared with the world

Which, speaking of triangles, how coincidental for Jeffrey's grocery establishment also to be near the Stonewall Inn and Stonewall Monument. "Don't forget where you belong."

All the while, Louis was photographed arriving at JFK Airport on 9.1.25. which magically just happens to coincide with Harry's sudden very PUBLIC "loved up" het appearances on the streets of NY. No doubt to emphasize Louis and Harry's continued separation. Reinforced, by the end of the week, with the controlled Deuxmoi "leak" recording of Louis and Zayn hanging out together. The photos taken at The Pond Bar, in Franklin, Tennessee of all places. Some 900 miles from Manhattan and approximately 800 miles from Bucks County, PA where Zayn is supposed to publicly live. The well-timed photos and videos dropped to remind fans, without words, that apparently Louis Tomlinson doesn't know a Harry Styles. Moreover, if Deuxmoi, is involved, certain people obviously want us to notice that Louis suddenly knows Zayn again. 

Deuxmoi, Instagram 9.8.25

An official photo of them together could have dropped back on January 21, 2025 when Louis attended Zayn's Stairway to the Sky concert in LA. But for some reason the "reunion" was delayed until 9/8. Or is this September reconnection more about getting as many eyes as possible on Louis right now. If so, it's wise to ask why that would be. For new fans, please be aware that whenever Louis has something to promote like a new album, music video, a tour, a music festival, etc., TPTB always make sure to sabotage his efforts. His upcoming Away From Home Festival will be no different. In fact, the Discord nonsense and McDumblison buffoonery is all part of this recurring nexus.

The Pond Dive Bar in Franklin, TN

From the beginning, Zouis set the scene with their tongue in cheek, "Outlaw" ways. Got to love these guys.

An interesting sidenote is that Zayn made sure to be seen in an Obey t-shirt. A One Direction messaging device that Liam used many times, pre-hiatus.  The connotation of control hard to miss.

The back of the shirt bears a much more meditative dispatch. Maybe a bit of serenity before the chaos begins.

“Unaware of light, sound, gravity or any physical sensation at all, I am at

perfect peace – like a mind in space I drift yet to return to the world.”   

Tune in 2 a curious feeling -

Louis, on the other hand, wore a Neighborhood shirt, the company and brand founded in 1994 in Harajuku, Japan. The design is a spiderweb, reminiscent of the kindred body art he received on June 24, 2013 in Washington, D.C. Notably, the same time that Louis got two other tattoos - a lit match and a fused bomb. That's right a lit match and a fused bomb. Given that Louis' spiderweb is located just above the word "Rogue" on his left ankle, the combined impression is at the very least intriguing, even provocative. What are you up to, Louis?

And don't forget that the Japanese streetwear's motto is, Craft with Pride

Spiderweb Tattoo June 24, 2013

March 25, 2013

Continuing the kabuki theater that is being staged in NY right now no one should be surprised if Harry "impulsively" shows up at Louis' Away From Home Festival with his newfound, "Friend with Benefits" appendage, to support the public narrative emerging. While Louis and his assigned Tory beard frolic in a nearby field of sunflowers, blissfully preoccupied with one another as they all experience a watermelon sugar high together. Just like two thoroughly smitten straight bros, who haven't officially seen one another in fifteen years, would obviously do. /sarcasm intended

Away From Home Music Festival, Cooperstown, NY October 4-5 2025

Enter stage right, the soaring voices of Sony/Cowell/Matt Vines/Chris Frewin/Azoffs, et al. in the background: "That should shut-up those Larries. Time to release the hounds" (aka Antis, Solos, Hired Hands, "Reliable" Media Outlets, etc.). 

TPTB have had lots of practice, in scripting, implementing and facilitating Liam's destruction and disappearance from the public stage. Louis and Harry, on the other hand, have always posed more of a messy challenge because of their formidable fandoms. That's why TPTB have spent a decade eroding that support system. Sony's (and their more than willing accomplices) fabricated pretexts to shove Louis into a Discord channel in July was just one more checked box in their grand scheme of eroding fandom engagement and silencing informed voices. 

In the meantime, Louis and Harry continue to publicly share what they have been fighting for all along: freedom. Both using a motorcycle to symbolize their quest.

"Lights Up" music video released on Coming Out Day, 10.11.19

2020, Louis Tomlinson

At this point, the question is whether these brave men have been able to trade/negotiate something better for themselves in exchange for what's currently being rolled out for fandom consumption. "Driving down a one-way road to something better". No turning back from here. Only movement toward a more desirable path in life. 

Regardless whatever unfolds, Narnia will still be around to support these men because despite the manipulations and subterfuges of TPTB, we still know the difference between predators and prey.

Don't forget that Louis told us from the moment he began preparation and promo for his first solo album back in 2020, that what he was about to embark upon (seeking his and Harry's freedom) would not be easy. Most definitely, not for the faint of heart. "Sit down with a masterplan." That's why he used a repetitive target aesthetic throughout the rollout which was hard to miss. "Nobody understands me like you do."

Target on Louis' chest with red bullet holes, April 2019

Walls Listening Party January 2020

Making of Walls Video, 2020

Odd man out in a straight world

Louis Tomlinson: A Target. Bullets. Blood. Bull's-eye. Odd Man Out.

It takes one's breath away to be reminded about how loud, honest and vulnerable Louis has been since the beginning of his solo journey.  Nor can it be ignored that the last time Louis used the target as part of his Walls aesthetic was December 12, 2020, during his record-breaking Livestream. The target appears interestingly enough on the B stage [reminiscent of Harry's use of that same letter to tell his love story during his "Live on Tour" (LT) concerts] from September 19, 2017 - July 14, 2018. Interesting end date for Harry's final show, don't you think?

And here's Louis' set list for his B stage performance. Songs are in red lettering. Narnia will let our readers see the through line.

Louis' Livestream with his big, brash, proudly displayed "H" across his chest that no one could miss.

At the time, nobody saw the radical shift that was going to come in December 2021. Louis' Livestream was a huge success. He wore an iconic "H" emblazoned across his chest. Once the pandemic subsided, the fandom believed that "paradise" was getting closer everyday. That freedom was getting nearer. In hindsight, all that optimism should have been tapped down, given his introduction of a new song, "Copy of a Copy of a Copy", but there were so many signs of resistance from both Louis and Harry that positive change was being manifested from all segments of the fandom to push them over that finish line.

As early as three days later, on December 15, 2020, there was Liam's gun-to-the-head Livestream with his bullying manager nearby, ready to pull the metaphorical trigger if obedience was not achieved (the Barnacle, aka Steve Finan O'Conner). But, Louis at least, continued to be physically separated from Babygate, for the most part. 

Fast-forward to Louis' 30th birthday, the following year, and the Livestream target aesthetic quickly turned into a flashing red light. For the first time, and right before he was about to restart his World Tour (sabotage) on February 1, 2021, "Freddie", was abruptly presented as actively taking part in Doncaster Christmas activities with the Tomlinson family. Photos were posted on social media to memorialize the gathering. Two years in a row, holiday matching pajama family photos were taken and uploaded. Freddie showed up at a few Louis concerts in LA and Louis acknowledged him from the stage. The mockumentary, "All of Those Voices" made sure to film "father son moments". Family members discussed "Freddie" on camera. And even though Louis cleverly presented the wrong date for the concert in the film, the general public's perception of Louis as a dad was further entrenched into the official record. 

Taking us up to today, where Narnia identifies the same pattern emerging, though it can be hard to determine what is actually happening in real time with so many moving parts in action. Clues without clarity mounting as Louis continues to try to warn fans that something big is coming. Literally, WARNING those with a watchful eye to be prepared for anything. Besides walking directly in front of an actual cautionary sign, we see Matt Vines, close at hand. If it's not him, it's the ex-Syco embed (aka inbred), Chris Frewin. And we all know how having a manager monitoring and directing your public moves turned out for Liam. 

Louis arriving at JFK Airport, 9.1.25, with a WARNING

Then there is another ominous sign. A target reappears in one of Louis' photos for the first time in nearly five years. And we all recognize what that means. The return of the target on Louis' back. He's telling us that he is walking into a precarious and/or dangerous situation, making him more susceptible to adverse outcomes. But, he's moving forward, nonetheless. Rolling the dice?

Louis arriving at JFK Airport, 9.1.25, with a target at his back

And let's remember that Zayn also has sent out his own warning sign back on May 30. Affixed to the brick wall behind him is Billy the Puppet, from the Saw franchise. The puppet that describes in detail the traps ahead and the life and death games that will befall an intended victim. For Billy, although certain rules apply, life is always a game of survival. So if we were to try and think like TPTB who are obviously trying to eliminate Louis, Harry, and Zayn's LGBTQ+ support, and wipe their fingerprints off of their three Babygates, we have to be prepared for anything. 

 

Think about what would impact even the most devoted supporter. 

 

Back in January 2020, the idea was floated in the media that Cheryl was looking into a surrogate baby. It's pretty obvious who was being set up for another Babygate. 

 

Jumping ahead to the present, we can say it looks like the plan was dropped in 2023 in lieu of bringing Liam down by other means, but don't be surprised if something similar comes out of all of this current chaos. Or, at least, the attempt to duplicate their previous "success". In other words, will Louis have to go through another fake pregnancy to finally gain the ultimate freedom that he wants. Or will there be some sort of het scandal imposed. Or, maybe a coming out scandal. Where Louis and Harry will take the fall for trying to deceive the public by pretending that they are straight. Narnia has not forgotten that Harry Styles sighting at Glastonbury on the dancefloor of NYC Downlow. Maybe an explanation for all this power bearding right now.

Perhaps a public "engagement" or "marriage"? That, or some other highly visible "proof" that Louis, or frankly Zayn, are most definitely straight. Use your imaginations because scruples will certainly not stop any attempts by TPTB to regain control of their narratives. Or will we finally find out why Louis added Executive Head of Film to his Instagram account in May. Or, see what Zayn was filming at The Pond?" last weekend? And Narnia is most definitely keeping an eye on Simon Cowell's sudden reappearance on the scene last summer in terms of One Direction and his newfound need to find what no one is asking for; a new boyband.

Netflix - Tudum, July 17, 2025

 

Therefore since the "Why?" and the "Because" always has been about the closet and the love between Louis and Harry, as well as Liam and Zayn, saddle up and be prepared for battle.  

Zayn Instagram post, 5.30.25

As a fandom, there are still lots of questions. Lots of whys. But, remember that the because has been staring us right in the face "all this time". 

Louis and Harry holding hands, Nov 25, 2010

Zayn and Liam, a candid moment, 2013

Louis and Harry on a date at Caraffini's September 2011

Zayn and Liam 7.2.14 Dusseldorf

Louis and Harry 

Milan Interview, December 2013

Sources: Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, Netflix - Tudum, Pop Crave, YouTube, 1883 Magazine, Wired, Fashionlouist, Metro UK, Urban Outfitters, Deuxmoi, Vevo

Our Playlist:  Where Do Broken Hearts Go - One Direction

                         Headline - One Direction

                         What's Going On? - Marvin Gaye

                         For What It's Worth - Buffalo Springfield

                         Wake Me Up When September's Over - Green Day