Music mogul Simon Cowell has spoken publicly for the first time about the tragic death of Liam Payne, describing his heartbreak and revealing he wishes he could 'turn back the clock'. Cowell was the mastermind behind the formation of One Direction on The X Factor in 2010, a move that catapulted Payne and his bandmates to global stardom.
A Tragic Loss and Lasting Regret
Liam Payne died in October 2024 after a fall from a hotel balcony in Argentina. The singer, beloved by millions as a member of the iconic boy band, was just 31 years old. In a candid interview with Rolling Stone a year after the tragedy, Cowell shared the profound impact of the loss.
'You ask yourself that question: 'Could I have done anything more? What would’ve happened to Liam if he hadn’t been in the band?',' Simon reflected. He added that after speaking with Liam's parents, they reassured him that their son was 'so proud of what he had achieved.' Despite this, Cowell's regret is palpable: 'I wish I could turn back the clock, of course.'
Addressing the Blame and a Final Conversation
In the wake of Payne's death, some public commentary suggested that the intense pressures of fame, stemming from his time in One Direction, contributed to his struggles. A toxicology report confirmed that at the time of his death, Payne had alcohol, cocaine, and antidepressants in his system.
Cowell directly addressed those who have attributed blame to him. 'The idea that you are essentially responsible for somebody’s life, 10 years after you’ve signed someone? You can’t do that,' he stated. To protect his own mental health, he has chosen not to read comments linking him to the tragedy, describing it as 'torture'.
The music executive also recalled a meeting with Liam at his home about a year before his passing. They spoke about Payne's son, Bear, and Cowell advised him not to let the music industry 'ruin' his life. At the time, Cowell believed Liam was in a 'really good place', making his subsequent death all the more shocking.
Ongoing Investigations and Bandmate's Grief
The legal proceedings surrounding the circumstances of Payne's death continue in Argentina. Two individuals, Ezequiel Pereyra and Braian Paiz, have been charged with supplying the singer with drugs. Both deny the charges, and a trial date is yet to be set.
In the UK, a final inquest has not yet been held. Senior Coroner Crispin Butler confirmed that authorities are awaiting a full report from the investigations in Argentina before they can address the statutory questions of how, when, and where Liam came by his death.
Payne's One Direction bandmate, Louis Tomlinson, has also spoken about the difficulty of coping with the loss. Despite having experienced the deaths of his mother and sister, Tomlinson told The Independent that he will 'never really accept' that Liam is gone, highlighting the deep bond formed between the band members.
