Entertainment
Remembering Liam Payne: Celebrities Pay Tribute to the Late Young Popstar
The world is mourning the loss of Liam Payne, former One Direction member and English singer-songwriter who tragically passed away on October 16 2024 during a trip to Buenos Aires, Argentina. According to police reports, the singer fell from a third floor balcony of the hotel Casa Sur Palermo while intoxicated. The tragic event has left millions of fans and well-wishers around the world heartbroken. Here’s how other celebrities and fans have paid tribute to the memory of Liam Payne.
The news of Liam’s death hit like a shockwave, leaving many in disbelief. One Direction was more than just a band; they were a huge part of the childhood and teenage years of Gen-Z pop music lovers worldwide. Despite their short reign, the boys swiftly rose to global fame, becoming one of the biggest boybands in the world of all time. Their innocence, charm, loving personalities, and brotherly bond set them apart. Liam, who was often seen as ‘the sensible one’ in the group, held a special place in the hearts of fans. His affection and protectiveness for the boys even earned him the moniker ‘Daddy Directioner’ by the other members.
Liam shared a close personal relationship with his group members, lending his support even after leaving the band. He remained the only member who following all the other members on Instagram, even making the trip to Argentina to see his bandmate Niall play a few days before the accident.
Following the tragic incident, a video has begun to circle the internet, taken from the night before Liam’s untimely demise. In the video, he is shown expressing his pride in how Zayn is doing well and will start his tour soon. Whether with the band or through his solo career, Liam brought joy, laughter and warmth to countless people, and it is heart-wrenching to know that the man who spread so much joy into the world and made others smile was quietly struggling with so much. In a culture where criticism and controversies quickly turn love into hate, his kindness and impact cannot be overshadowed. He was more than his mistakes. He was a loving son, a dear friend, a proud father and a ray of sunshine among the Directioners.
As we continue to process the immense loss of Liam Payne, we look to the heartfelt tributes shared by his bandmates, fellow celebrities, family, and fans.
Fellow celebrities pay tribute to Liam Payne
The Payne family
The day after the unfortunate event, Liam’s family issued an official statement. “We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul,” the family said to PA Media, the UK and Ireland’s national news agency. “We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time.”
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Liam’s father, Geoff, travelled to Argentina on October 18 to pay tribute and collect his son’s belongings. At the hotel where Liam had stayed, Geoff mourned alongside grieving fans, even visiting the sanctuary created by his son’s admirers to read their messages. In a show of solidarity, Liam’s mourning fans held up their hands and backpacks to shield him from the paparazzi’s cameras. Reports suggest it may take up to two weeks for the authorities to return Payne’s body to his family; till then, Geoff will wait in Argentina.
Ruth Gibbins
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Liam’s sister Ruth shared a heartbreaking letter to her brother, outlining her regrets and saying, “I’m sorry I couldn’t save you. Love you, oh, how my heart misses you.”
Nicola Payne
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Liam’s other sister Nicola also shared an emotional letter. In her letter, Nicola revealed that she found out about his death by looking at the news on her phone, with immediate thoughts that it had to be a mistake. She wrote, “I hope you have finally found peace up there and you’ll continue to look after us as you’ve done all your life. We will make sure Bear knows about his Daddy and how much you loved him. We promise this.”
One Direction
Liam’s fellow band members (We will skip the ‘former’ today as Liam has insisted that he is still very much a member of 1D, and that he would always be) — Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and Zayn Malik issued a joint statement saying they are ‘completely devastated’ by the news. The statement added that the group would say more “in time and when everyone is able to”.
It was the group’s first official post since 2020, when they celebrated 10 years of the band together.
Louis Tomlinson
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, a fellow bandmate who was closest to Liam in the group, shared a message for him, calling him “brother” and promising, “I want you to know that if Bear ever needs me I will be the Uncle he needs in his life and tell him stories of how amazing his dad was.”
Zayn Malik
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Having left the band in 2015, Zayn appeared not to have kept close contact with the other members. However, the love between them goes deeper than words. In a video taken the night before he left us forever, Liam expressed that he was proud of Zayn for going on tour after almost 9 years. Since then, Malik has penned a tribute to his ‘brother’, saying, “can’t explain to you what I’d give to give you a hug one last time and say goodbye to you properly.”
Zayn has also postponed the US leg of his STAIRWAY TO THE SKY tour. Sharing the news on his Instagram stories, he said, “Given the heartbreaking loss experienced this week, I’ve made the decision to postpone the US leg of the STAIRWAY TO THE SKY Tour. The dates are being rescheduled for January and I’ll post them as soon as it’s all set in the next few days.”
Niall Horan
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Early in October, Liam went to see Niall at one of his shows in Argentina. In his post, Horan recalled meeting him and wrote, “I sadly didn’t know that after saying goodbye and hugging him that evening, I would be saying goodbye forever. It’s heartbreaking.”
Horan recently completed his The Show world tour and announced a short break. He said, “I’m going to disappear for a while… I’m gonna make you guys a new album and I’ll be back, I promise.” The break was announced mere days before Payne’s devastating demise.
Harry Styles
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The youngest member of 1D, Harry also took to Instagram to express his poignant feelings about losing Liam. He wrote, “Liam lived wide open, with his heart on his sleeve…,” adding that he was “truly devastated” by his friend’s passing.
Simon Cowell
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The X Factor judge and record executive Simon Cowell, who signed and mentored One Direction from their early days, has also expressed his grief through an Instagram post. He reminisced about the time Liam reached out to him last year just to sit and talk. Cowell wrote, “I always thought the 5 of you in the band as brothers. And reading their messages today I believe you were.”
Cowell also postponed the shoot of The X Factor after receiving the tragic news.
Kate Cassidy
Liam’s girlfriend Kate Cassidy shared her thoughts in an Instagram story, saying, “I will continue to love you for the rest of my life. I love you Liam.”
The couple had travelled to Argentina together; after spending nearly two weeks together, Kate returned to Florida while Liam stayed on in Buenos Aires. The couple had been together for nearly two years.
On 23rd October she also shared a post with some of their unseen pictures and a letter that revealed they were planning to get married/engaged within a year. She wrote,
“Liam, I know we’ll be together forever, but not in the way we had planned. You’ll always be with me. I’ve gained a guardian angel.
“I will love you for the rest of my life and beyond, carrying our dreams and memories with me everywhere I go. Forever yours, Katelyn”.
Cheryl Cole
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Liam’s baby mama, singer Cheryl, shared a heartfelt post with a picture of Liam and his son, Bear. In her post, Cheryl also made a request for those still spreading hate and his pictures after the accident to stop, writing, “Please give Liam the little dignity he has left in the wake of his death to rest in some peace at last.”
Danielle Peazer
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Another of Liam’s exes Danielle Peazer wrote an open letter to Payne, saying, “Despite being aware of your struggles over the years, I hoped and prayed that this day would never come. But now we’re all facing the reality of living a life without your presence.”
Peazer also thanked the singer for teaching her “about the importance of setting boundaries,” and that she should always protect her heart. She also revealed that the singer had congratulated her on the love she found with her husband Sonny and daughter Mia.
Charlie Puth
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Charlie Puth first worked with Liam while he wrote the song “Bedroom Floor” for him. He was also one of the first celebrities to share his grief on social media. “Liam was always so kind to me,” Puth wrote on an IG story. “He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I can not believe he is gone.”
On 22nd October, Puth took the stage at the iHeartRadio HQ in NYC and sang the 1D song “Love You Goodbye” in honour of Liam’s memory.
Dan Richards
In an Instagram story, One Direction guitarist Dan Richards expressed that Payne’s death “feels so surreal,” and that he is “still trying to wrap [his] head around it all.”
Halsey
Singer-songwriter Halsey shared a message on Tumblr as a true fan and a peer. Addressing her fellow grieving fans, she penned, “I know people change and grief is unsure or complicated when it’s attached to a fond memory or the feeling a person gave you and not tangibly the person themself. I can see many of you on here are struggling with that right now and I understand.”
Rita Ora
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In 2018, Rita Ora collaborated with Payne on the single “For You” for the movie soundtrack of Fifty Shades Freed. She shared a carousel of pictures of them with the caption, “I’m devastated. He had the kindest soul, I will never forget. I loved working with him so much — he was just such a joy to be around on and off stage.” Ora added, “This tragic news breaks my heart. Sending all my love and prayers to his family and loved ones. Our song For You takes on a whole new meaning for me now. R.I.P.”
Anne Twist
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While the 1D boys were performing together, they were pretty close to one another’s families. Amidst the devastating loss, the other members’ families have also shared tributes and messages for the mourning family and fans of Liam Payne. Harry Styles’ mother Anne Twist shared a heartbroken emoji with the caption “Just a boy…”
Greg Horan
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Niall’s brother Greg sent his condolences through an IG post, saying, “you will be forever missed Liam words can’t describe how much I want to grab my brother and mind him now while the world shows their memories of you and him and the boys. my heart goes out to your family parents and sisters and your son Bear and your 1D brothers.”
Lottie Tomlinson
Louis Tomlinson’s younger sister, Lottie, is a makeup artist who started her career backstage on tour with One Direction, where she was mentored by the band’s stylist, beauty blogger Lou Teasdale. She posted on an Instagram story, writing, “Home with a heavy heart. Rest in peace Liam, you were loved by so many and will be so greatly missed. Sending so much love to everyone.”
Ed Sheeran
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English singer Ed Sheeran is good friends with the 1D boys, even co-writing the hit song “Strip That Down” for Payne. He shared on an Instagram post, “At a loss for words. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones, every memory I have with him is a great one, just such a heartbreaking situation. Be kind. X.”
James Corden
Talk show host James Corden is also good friends with the One Direction boys. Grieving the loss of the young talent, Corden said, “Talking about Liam in the past tense is utterly heartbreaking. He was such a loving and kind soul. I will treasure the moments I got to spend with him. My thoughts are with his family today x.”
Paris Hilton
So upsetting to hear the news of @LiamPayne passing Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. RIP my friend
— Paris Hilton (@ParisHilton) October 16, 2024
Socialite and hotel empire heiress Paris Hilton took to X (formerly Twitter) to write, “So upsetting to hear the news of @LiamPayne passing. Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. RIP my friend.”
Zedd
RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real…
absolutely heartbreaking …— Zedd (@Zedd) October 16, 2024
Liam had previously collaborated with German music producer and DJ Zedd for the song “Get Low.” Following the tragedy, Zedd wrote on a X post, “RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real…absolutely heartbreaking…”
Juicy J
R.I.P. Liam Payne wow I can’t believe it prayers up for the family
— juicy j (@therealjuicyj) October 16, 2024
American rapper and songwriter Juicy J wrote on X, “R.I.P. Liam Payne wow I can’t believe it prayers up for the family.”
Flavor Flav
RIP to Liam Payne,,, much too young
— FLAVOR FLAV (@FlavorFlav) October 16, 2024
Senior American rapper Flavor Flav simply said, “RIP to Liam Payne… much too young.”
Olly Murs
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English singer-songwriter Olly Murs also shared a memory of Payne, writing, “This news is devastating, am lost for words.”
Cher Lloyd
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Singer Cher Lloyd who also started her career on The X Factor in 2010 with Liam took to Instagram and wrote “From being on the show together, visiting each others homes while filming, going on tour together and watching you achieve your dreams. I’ll cherish the memories made and the laughs we had. My thoughts are with your family and friends, with everyone who loves you. My heart is breaking for your Son Bear. Rest in peace Liam.”
The X Factor
We are heartbroken by the sad passing of Liam Payne.
He was immensely talented and, as part of One Direction, Liam will leave a lasting legacy on the music industry and fans around the world.
Our thoughts are with his friends, family and all who loved him. pic.twitter.com/wOXUTKPUiR
— The X Factor (@TheXFactor) October 17, 2024
The show that jumpstarted Payne’s career also shared a heartfelt goodbye on its X handle, which read, “We are heartbroken by the sad passing of Liam Payne. He was immensely talented and, as part of One Direction, Liam will leave a lasting legacy on the music industry and fans around the world. Our thoughts are with his friends, family and all who loved him.”
Backstreet Boys
Words can not express the emotions we are collectively feeling right now, and it seems like the rest of the world is in the same boat.
Our hearts go out to Liam’s family, friends, and Directioners around the world.
Rest in peace brother.
— Backstreet Boys (@backstreetboys) October 17, 2024
The preceding boyband Backstreet Boys expressed their grief collectively in an X post, saying, “Words can not express the emotions we are collectively feeling right now, and it seems like the rest of the world is in the same boat. Our hearts go out to Liam’s family, friends, and Directioners around the world. Rest in peace brother.”
Dermot O’Leary
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The X Factor show host Dermot O’Leary paid his tribute to the late singer, saying, “The worst news. I remember him as a 14 year old turning up to audition on The X Factor, and blowing us away singing Sinatra. He just loved to sing. He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble.”
Steve Aoki
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DJ Steve Aoki shared photos with Liam, calling him, “A true legend and a kinder soul with a heart of gold.”
Maggie Rogers
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As a tribute to the late singer, Maggie Rogers performed the One Direction song “Night Changes” on her October 17 show in Boston.
Ty Dolla $ign
The American singer-songwriter, wrote, “Just talked to you 2 days ago my guy. Ima miss u frfr sucio.”
Quavo
The rapper Quavo, who worked with Payne for his song, “Strip That Down” posted an Instagram story, adding, “Rest In Paradise.”
Jonas Blue
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Liam worked with Jonas Blue on the song “Polaroid” in 2018. The fellow musician wrote, “Beyond sad to hear this news. Rest well my friend.”
Justin Bieber
When Liam auditioned for The X Factor in 2008, Cheryl Cole complimented him, saying, “You look a little bit like Justin Bieber,” causing the 16-year-old to blush on the screen. And now that the young soul has passed away, Justin Bieber himself has shared a fan video of a sanctuary created by Directioners, adding a broken heart emoji with the trending audio of “Just remember you are allowed to grieve as a fan”.
Shawn Mendes
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In an interview, Liam previously revealed that he went to see Shawn Mendes after listening to the song “In My Blood”, which starts with the line ‘Help me’. So, he went to make sure he was okay.
On October 20, Mendes paid a beautiful tribute to the late singer, saying, “Liam, we love you. And the world is crying for you brother. We are all praying for your son, and your family, and ah… we miss you, man. So, this one is for you tonight, Liam from all of us.” Mendes went on to sing “Heart of Gold” in memory of him, leaving all concertgoers in tears.
Camila Cabello
Camila Cabello, who also started her career on The X Factor like Liam, was a huge Directioner growing up. She wrote in an IG story, “it really made an impression on me as a young girl to meet a member of a group I loved and have him be so kind. It’s a tragedy to have him gone way too soon.. ❤️”
Olivia Rodrigo
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Olivia Rodrigo is also a self-proclaimed Directioner who grew up listening to their music. On her show, she threw small paper notes with tributes for Payne hand-written on them.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
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On October 19, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Cleveland kicked off with a memorial to Liam Payne, causing a rippling of gasps across the audience.
The Wanted
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The day after Payne passed, British boyband The Wanted paid a heartfelt tribute to the singer. During their final performance, the band took a special moment to remember their lovely friend and awesome colleague. They also shared how Liam supported them after their band member Tom Parker tragically passed away in 2022 after a courageous battle with cancer.
The Wanted member George recalled, “He was the first person, the first artist to put his hand up and say that he wanted to perform [at the event], which we’ll never forget. [Payne] was amazing… and even after Tom passed, you know he came to Tom’s funeral, and he was extremely supportive to all of us, even though we hadn’t really been sort of friends. We knew each other up until Tom [died]. We became friends and he really, really supported us and we’ll never ever forget that.”
Matt Bennett
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American actor and DJ Matt Bennett played the song “Best Song Ever” on his show in memory of Liam. The Victorious alum got down from the stage, leaving it empty as he joined the audience for that song.
Directioners
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For all Directioners and solo Liam Payne fans, October 16 2024 will forever be one of the darkest days in memory. The news of his passing felt like a cruel joke, something fans desperately wished was a mistake. As the hours went by, an indescribable feeling of shock and heartbreak took over.
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Liam had the most beautiful smile that could light up any room he walked in. He met everyone with open arms and an open heart. And while he struggled and fought with his inner demons, to Directioners, he was as bright as the light of day.
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Throughout his life, Liam always advocated for donating to charities. Even in his final days, he spent thousands of dollars donating to sick people via GoFundMe pages. He also encouraged his fans to do so via his Snapchat stories. This is just one of many ways he showed his compassion for other people. He was the biggest supporter of the reunion of 1D, promising his return; however, fate had other plans. The One Direction reunion was supposed to be one of the biggest and most joyous events in pop culture, but now, it has turned into a shocking misfortune. Directioners all over the world have gathered around various places to celebrate the life and works of Liam Payne. The tributes are still pouring in, but Liam’s absence has left an unfillable void in our hearts.
The craziest fandom of 2014 is the saddest fandom of 2024. Just how fast the night changes.
A letter to Liam
Hey Angel,
As the news of you gone hit us like a Heart Attack, and the Teardrops hit our Bedroom Floor, we want you to know you are Still The One for us. Even though we never met, the History we have together is nothing short of Something Great. All the Moments we spent Up All Night listening to Midnight Memories were truly Magic. There’s no Temporary Fix for the amount of pain we feel now. You were the Perfect friend for us, and we won’t have it any other way. We are Half a Heart without you today. Maybe in Another World, you’ll find your Home now, but you’ll always be our Sunshine. We are grateful For You, Liam, and we are lucky to have been born at the same time as you. As long as we are Alive, we will Love You, Goodbye and in our hearts, you will Live Forever. Rest easy, love.
X
(Main image: Robin Marchant / Getty Images and featured image: liampayne/Instagram)
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