The death of Liam Payne continues to resonate across the music world more than a year after the former One Direction member passed away at just 31.
Payne, who rose to global fame as part of the chart-dominating boy band formed on The X Factor, died in October 2024 after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires.
A toxicology report later confirmed the presence of alcohol, cocaine, and prescription antidepressants in his system, adding another layer of tragedy to a loss that shocked fans and peers alike.
As public grief turned into reflection, online discourse also took a darker turn. Some critics began revisiting the intense pressure One Direction faced during their rapid ascent, pointing fingers at industry leaders who helped launch the group.
That scrutiny has included Simon Cowell, the music executive who created The X Factor and signed the group to his Syco Records label after the show ended in 2010.
Cowell recently addressed those claims during an appearance on the Rolling Stone Music Now podcast, making it clear he rejects the idea that he bears responsibility for Payne’s death years later.
“I don’t read any of this stuff because if I did, you would just torture yourself,” Cowell said. “The idea that you are essentially responsible for somebody’s life, 10 years after you’ve signed someone? You can’t do that.”
The producer added that Payne’s death affected him deeply, noting it had only been about a year since they last spoke. Cowell recalled encouraging Payne to look beyond the music industry during one of their conversations.
“I remember saying, ‘Music is not everything. Don’t let it run your life anymore. Find something else that you are passionate about,’” he said, while also acknowledging the lingering questions that come with loss. “You ask yourself that question: ‘Could I have done anything more?’”
Payne’s former bandmates have also pushed back on the narrative that the group lacked support. Louis Tomlinson previously said the members were cared for during their time in One Direction, even while acknowledging the demanding nature of their schedule.
“Was it really hard work? Yes. Did we not have enough days off? Yes,” Tomlinson said. “I don’t blame anyone for my experience in One Direction.”
Cowell said he has since spoken with Payne’s parents, Geoff and Karen, who told him their son was proud of what he achieved.