Simon Cowell has said in a statement that he is "truly devastated" over Liam Payne's death.
The music mogul helped put together One Direction in 2010 on The X Factor, and was involved in turning the boyband into one of the biggest-selling music acts of their era.
Following the tragic news of Payne's death in Argentina this week, Cowell wrote about the tremendous grief he's felt over the past few days.
"You never really know how you feel about someone until a moment like this happens. Liam, I am devastated. Heartbroken. And I feel empty,” Cowell wrote on Instagram. “And I want you to know how much love and respect I have for you. Every tear I have shed is a memory of you.”
Cowell noted that his grief is "so difficult to put into words" because of the long professional and personal bond he felt with Payne.
"I went outside today, and I thought about so many times we had together," he wrote. "I wanted to let you know what I would always say to the thousands of people who would always ask me. What is Liam like?
What to Read Next
"And I would tell them you were kind, funny, sweet, thoughtful, talented, humble, focused. And how much you loved music. And how much love you genuinely had for the fans.”
He reflected on Payne's first X Factor audition before One Direction were formed where he had to tell the then-teenager that "this wasn’t your time", though he knew they'd work together again in the future.
"A lot of people would have given up. You didn’t," he recalled. "You came back and within months the whole world knew Liam. And you never forgot the fans. I watched you spending so much time with people who had wanted to meet you. You really cared.”
The pair met up last year as friends, according to Cowell, where he noticed how excited and fulfilled Payne was to be a good dad for his and Cheryl's son Bear.
“I always thought the 5 of you in the band as brothers. And regarding their messages today I believe you were,” Cowell concluded. “And now Liam, I can see the effect you had on so many people. Because you left us too soon. Rest in peace my friend.”
Payne was found dead, aged 31, following an alleged fall from a balcony at a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Wednesday (October 16). An initial autopsy report listed his cause of death as "multiple traumas" and "internal and external hemorrhages”, reports EW.
It was reported that Cowell had pulled out of filming for Britain's Got Talent in Blackpool on Thursday (October 17) to mourn Payne's death.
One Direction came together to react to this tragic news with a joint statement and individual posts about their loss in the hours following Payne's death.
"We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing," the group said. "In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly.
"The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us. We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam."
In their own statement, Payne's family shared their grief with the world over losing the 'Strip That Down' singer so unexpectedly.
"We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we'll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul," the Payne family statement read.
"We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time."
If you identify with the themes in this article, the NHS has resources available to help with grief counselling and other support in the UK. In the US, the CDC also has resources available for those grieving.
Justin is a freelance entertainment journalist and writer. He first joined Digital Spy as a freelance entertainment reporter in 2010 and also worked as a sub-editor for the brand, serving as Night News Editor from 2016 to 2024. Over more than a decade, Justin has covered numerous major entertainment events from the US and has interviewed a wide-ranging group of public figures, from comedian Steve Coogan to icons from the Star Trek universe, cast members from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and reality stars from numerous Real Housewives cities and the Below Deck franchise. Justin has also been on the ground to cover major pop culture events like the Star Wars Celebration and the D23 Expo. He's written for titles across the Hearst network, plus the likes of CBR and Us Weekly.
