Simon Cowell isn’t shouldering the blame.
Simon Cowell has responded to accusations made by some Liam Payne fans. They claim he didn’t give enough support to Liam and his One Direction bandmates – Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, and Louis Tomlinson – and that this lack of support played a role in Liam’s death.
On the November 24th episode of the Rolling Stone Music Now podcast, Simon explained why he avoids reading articles about artists he’s signed. He said, “If I did, it would just be agonizing.” He believes it’s unfair to feel responsible for someone’s life long after the initial agreement, stating, “You can’t hold yourself accountable for that.”
The music executive, known for forming One Direction on The X Factor in 2010 and subsequently signing them to his Syco Records label, shared that Liam’s tragic death after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires in October 2024 deeply affected him. He remembered a conversation he had with Liam – who shared a 7-year-old son, Bear, with his ex-partner, Cheryl Cole – when he visited Liam’s home the previous year.
Simon told me that a friend came to visit, and they ended up talking about fatherhood and his son. Simon recalled telling his friend, ‘Don’t let music control your life. It’s important to have other passions too.’
It’s just heartbreaking about Liam. While Simon knows he wasn’t responsible for what happened – Liam passing away so young at 31 – he’s still left wondering about things. He and Lauren, my fiancée, share a son, Eric, who’s 11, and it’s tough for all of us, especially as he’s trying to understand their relationship better now.
The 66-year-old wondered if he could have done more to help, questioning what Liam’s life would have been like if he hadn’t joined the band.
The music executive also remembered a recent talk he had with Liam’s parents, Geoff and Karen Payne.
He told me that after talking to his parents, they kept saying how proud they were of everything he’d done. He added that he wished he could go back in time. When they last spoke, he felt really positive about him, thinking to himself, ‘You seem to be doing so well.’
Shortly after Liam’s death last year, Simon fondly remembered him, describing him as a kind, funny, sweet, thoughtful, talented, and humble person who was very focused on his goals.
I’ll never forget reading Simon’s post after everything happened. He said something that really stuck with me – that you don’t truly know how you feel about someone until a moment like that hits. He was completely heartbroken about Liam, saying he felt utterly empty. It was so raw and honest. He wanted Liam to know just how much he loved and respected him, and he said every single tear he cried was a memory of their time together. It was just… devastating to read.
Keep reading for more tributes to Liam…
The band shared a statement on Instagram expressing their deep sadness over the loss of Liam. They said they need time to grieve and will share more thoughts later, when they are ready. They described him as a beloved brother and expressed how much they loved him.
Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, and Harry Styles all spoke about how much Liam meant to them and the lasting effect he had on their lives.
We will always cherish our memories of him. Right now, we are thinking of his family, friends, and all the fans who loved him as much as we did. He will be deeply missed. We love you, Liam.
Niall shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, expressing his deep sadness over the loss of his friend, Liam. He described Liam as someone with incredible energy and enthusiasm for life and work, someone who always lit up a room and made others feel comfortable and safe.
The “Slow Hands” singer continued to reminisce on his time singing alongside Liam in One Direction.
Despite the sadness, I keep remembering all the laughter we shared over the years – often about the smallest things, Niall said. We achieved everything we ever dreamed of together, and I’ll treasure those moments always. A connection and friendship like ours is rare and special.
Niall recently had Liam and his girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, at his concert in Buenos Aires. He also shared his memories of seeing his friend one last time.
Niall shared that he recently had the chance to see his friend, and he’s deeply saddened by the news of his passing. He wishes he’d known that their goodbye would be permanent. He expressed his heartfelt sympathy to Geoff, Karen, Ruth, Nicola, and Bear, his son, and thanked his friend for everything, adding a final message of love.
I was so incredibly saddened to hear about Liam. He had this amazing gift for brightening everyone’s day, and honestly, it was a real privilege to witness his kindness and see how much joy he brought to others. It’s a loss that truly hurts.
He described Liam as a truly open and passionate person, someone whose zest for life was contagious. Liam was warm, encouraging, and deeply loving, and the time they shared together will always be a treasured memory. He said he will miss his dear friend forever.
Liam’s former One Direction bandmate reflected on all he wished he could have said to him.
Zayn shared on Instagram that he wished they’d had more time to talk. He wrote that he never had the chance to properly thank the person for their support during tough times. He fondly remembered how, when he was just 17 and homesick, they always offered encouragement, a reassuring smile, and reminded him that he was loved and had a friend in them.
Despite being younger, you always had better judgment than I did. You were strong-willed, never hesitated to share your opinions, and weren’t afraid to call people out when you thought they were wrong. We clashed over it sometimes, but I always admired you for it, secretly.
Zayn also called Liam “the most qualified” musician in the band “in every sense.”
Losing you felt like losing a brother, and honestly, I can’t even begin to express how much I’d give for one last hug, a proper goodbye, and a chance to tell you just how much I loved and respected you. I’ll hold onto every single memory we shared – they’ll stay with me forever. There really aren’t words to describe how heartbroken I am right now.
Louis posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, remembering Liam and their friendship.
I’m absolutely heartbroken writing this, but yesterday felt like I lost a brother. Liam was someone I genuinely looked up to every single day – he was just so positive, funny, and genuinely kind. I first met him when he was sixteen and I was eighteen, and even then, his voice blew me away. But honestly, as I got to know him, I realized he was the brother I’d always wished I had. He was just…everything.
The singer of “Back To You,” who also helped write a lot of One Direction’s songs with Liam, went on to talk about how much of an influence Liam had on the group.
As someone who’s spent a lot of time around incredibly talented artists, I can honestly say Liam was a truly gifted songwriter. We used to talk all the time about getting back in the studio, hoping to recapture that special creative spark we had when we were writing music together as a band. And honestly? In my opinion, Liam was the heart of One Direction. From a young age, he had everything – perfect pitch, a natural stage presence, and an amazing ability to write songs. The list of his talents just goes on and on. I’m so grateful for everything he brought to the group and how he helped shape who we became.
Liam’s family—including his parents, Karen and Geoff, and sisters Ruth and Nicola—shared with the BBC that they are devastated by his passing. They will always cherish his memory, remembering him as a kind, funny, and courageous person. The family is leaning on each other for support and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult time.
Liam’s girlfriend, who was traveling with the singer when he died and had returned home just days earlier, said she’s been devastated by the news of his death.
Honestly, these last few days have been totally surreal. I’m just…completely lost for words. All I’m asking for is a little understanding and privacy as I try to process everything. I really need some space to figure things out on my own, please.
The influencer described Liam as an “angel” and shared, “I loved you with everything I had, and I always will.”
Cheryl, who has a son named Bear with the deceased, described her ex’s death as devastating and asked for understanding and kindness during this incredibly difficult time.
As someone who often talks about cherishing life and connection, I was deeply saddened to hear about Liam’s passing. It’s so easy to focus on someone’s public persona – he was a bright star, of course – but it’s crucial to remember the human being behind it. He was a son, a brother, an uncle, a friend, and most importantly, a father. My heart breaks for his young son who now has to navigate life without his dad, a reality no child should ever face. It’s a powerful reminder to hold our loved ones close and appreciate every moment.
She pleaded for Liam to be remembered with respect, hoping he could finally find peace after his passing.
“I’m absolutely heartbroken and feel lost,” the X Factor judge shared on Instagram on October 18th. “I want you to know how much I love and respect you. Every tear I’ve cried is a reminder of our time together.”
Simon described Liam, whom he mentored alongside the other members of One Direction, as “kind, funny, sweet, thoughtful, talented, humble, and focused.” He added that he’d always seen the five bandmates as brothers.
He continued, “Liam, it’s clear how many lives you touched. It’s so sad you were taken from us so quickly. Rest peacefully, my friend.”
Ed shared on Instagram on October 17th that he was deeply saddened by the news. He wrote that he was thinking of the person’s family and friends, cherishing the good memories he had with them, and called for kindness during this difficult time.
The Little Mix singer shared a heartfelt message on Instagram on October 17th, expressing how deeply saddened they were to hear about Liam’s death. They sent their condolences and love to his family, friends, and everyone who knew him.
Jade, who was on The X Factor UK with Perrie Edwards, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, and Jesy Nelson in 2011 as part of the group Little Mix, also reminisced about starting out in the music industry with Liam.
Jade continued, explaining that they’d lost contact over time. She remembered meeting him in 2008, when they were both newcomers to the industry, young and determined to succeed. She finished by saying she hoped he’d found peace.
The Little Mix member reshared Louis Tomlinson’s post about Liam, adding a message of her own.
She shared that she was utterly devastated by the news. She remembered Liam as consistently kind and down-to-earth whenever they met. She recalled being immediately captivated by him during One Direction’s tour, sensing his natural talent and stage presence. She expressed her sorrow that he was taken so young, and sent her heartfelt sympathy to his family and loved ones.
The former Fifth Harmony member, who made music with Liam in 2018, expressed gratitude to the late singer for “all the joy you brought my friends and me.”
Meeting one of my favorite performers as a child and discovering how genuinely kind he was left a lasting impression on me,” she shared on Instagram. “It’s heartbreaking that he’s passed away so young.
The former X Factor U.S. contestant said that Liam Payne and the band One Direction were a major influence on Fifth Harmony, the group she was in with Camila Cabello, Normani, Dinah Jane, and Lauren Jauregui.
She shared on X that Liam was a bright and wonderful person. She said she’ll always cherish the memories they made together, and she’s thankful for the times they spent together. She added that their connection wouldn’t have happened without One Direction, and expressed her love for him.
The DJ shared a heartfelt message on Instagram on October 17th, saying he was deeply saddened by the loss of a close friend. He wrote that it was hard to express his feelings and that he couldn’t believe his friend was gone. They had shared many wonderful memories together, both in their personal lives and while performing. He described his friend as a true legend and a genuinely kind person with a golden heart, adding how much he would be missed.
I was so heartbroken to hear about Liam Payne. The band shared the news on their Instagram, and it just really hit me. They said their hearts are with his family, friends, and all of us fans, and honestly, that’s exactly how I feel too. It’s such a tough time for everyone who loved him.
Justin Timberlake, formerly of *NSYNC, posted a heartfelt message on Instagram remembering Liam, with whom he recently collaborated on the song “Teardrops.” He wrote, “I will miss you my friend—my heart is with your family.”
As a huge 5 Seconds of Summer fan, I was so gutted to see that Luke Hemmings, Michael Clifford, Ashton Irwin, and Calum Hood posted they were heartbroken on social media yesterday, October 18th. It’s really tough news for all of us who love their music.
They continued, sharing their love for Liam and expressing how much his impact would always be remembered. They were deeply thankful for his unwavering belief in them, a kindness they would never forget.
The band said it was a privilege to start their career with Liam, and they always appreciated how kind he was.
They shared a message with the singer, saying they always admired the brightness and joy she brought to the world. They were heartbroken that her life was cut short and expressed hope that she would continue to sing and shine in heaven.
The influencer, who dated Liam briefly in 2022, shared her condolences in an Instagram Story.
“I’m sorry this happened to you, will forever love and miss you,” Aliana wrote. “Rest in paradise.”
The singer, who collaborated with Liam on the song “For You,” shared on X (formerly Twitter) on October 17th that they were heartbroken by the news. They described him as having a truly kind spirit and fondly remembered how much they enjoyed working with him, both professionally and personally. The singer expressed their deepest sympathy to his family and loved ones, saying the tragic news had broken their heart. They added that their song “For You” now feels even more meaningful, and offered a final farewell.
As someone who’s always been fascinated by pop culture, I was really touched to see a post from a friend – the former host of The Late Late Show – about his love for a classic British boy band. He shared his thoughts on Instagram, and it was lovely to see him express his fandom!
Honestly, even thinking about Liam as if he’s gone… it just destroys me. He was genuinely one of the kindest, most loving people I’ve ever known. I’ll hold onto every single moment I was lucky enough to share with him forever. My heart is completely with his family right now. x
On October 17th, Harry Styles’ sister shared One Direction’s statement on her Instagram, and added a personal message of support for Liam’s family, saying she’s thinking of them and everyone affected by his loss.
Gary Barlow, the singer from Take That who once guided One Direction on The X Factor, posted a heartfelt tribute to Liam on Instagram on October 18th.
Robbie wrote, “What a handsome, talented young man.” He continued, “This is a truly tragic loss, not just for his friends and family, but for his fans and, judging by the outpouring of emotion, for the entire world.”
The members of the boy band – Nick Carter, AJ McLean, Brian Littrell, Kevin Richardson, and Howie Dorough – expressed their sympathy.
It’s hard to put into words how we’re all feeling right now, and it seems like many others feel the same way,” the message on X (formerly Twitter) read. “We send our deepest sympathies to Liam’s family, friends, and fans everywhere. Rest in peace.
The Backstreet Boys singer, who will be a judge on the new Netflix show Building the Band with Liam, shared a statement saying he’s deeply saddened by this loss and feels immense pain for the person affected.
We connected instantly and quickly shared stories, laughter, and experiences from our lives,” he said. “It’s so sad to lose you. You were a truly bright and wonderful person, and I always enjoyed being around you at work!”
AJ shared a heartfelt message saying he couldn’t believe his friend was gone. He encouraged him to continue shining and singing, and sent his deepest sympathy to his family, friends, and bandmates. He finished with a loving message, saying ‘Love you bro’.
The singer of “See You Again” shared a post on Instagram saying Liam was “always very kind to him.”
Charlie, who collaborated with former One Direction member Liam Payne on the 2017 song “Bedroom Floor,” shared, “I can’t believe he’s gone.” He added that Liam was one of the first big artists he had the chance to work with.
The former X Factor runner-up shared on Instagram how shocked and saddened they were by the news. They fondly remembered always enjoying time with the person, even if it was just a quick chat. They often joked about his perfect hair, their shared admiration for David Beckham, and reminisced about their time on The X Factor and a tour they did together.
The musician said they were deeply saddened by Liam’s sudden passing, explaining that they shared similar passions and dreams. They expressed heartfelt sympathy for his family, especially his son Bear, who is now without a father. They offered their thoughts and condolences, and wished Liam rest in peace.
The “Without Me” singer shared a lengthy Tumblr post to commemorate the late One Direction member.
Oh my god, One Direction just consumed my life when I was younger. It genuinely aches, mourning someone you idolized so much as a teenager, and then, unbelievably, got to know as a grown-up. It’s just… weird. I get that people evolve, and grief isn’t always simple, especially when you’re sad about the feeling someone gave you, not necessarily the person they are now. Seeing so many of you feeling this same way… I totally understand. It’s so hard.
And Halsey finished by sharing a fond memory of Liam.
She explained that she had bought a house from Liam a few years prior, and while there were rumors it was haunted, he’d convinced her it wasn’t. She believes ghosts aren’t tied to places, but rather follow us based on our inner selves. As a parent, artist, and admirer of his work, she was deeply saddened by his sudden passing and offered her condolences to his family, friends, and fans.
The former star of The Vampire Diaries shared on Instagram that they were heartbroken by the death of their friend, Liam, calling it a terrible tragedy and saying he died much too young.
The rapper who collaborated with Liam on his hit song “Strip that Down” posted a tribute on Instagram on October 16th, writing “Rest in Paradise.”
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2025-11-26 18:20