A previously unseen handwritten note from Taylor Swift to the late Liam Payne has sent fans into an emotional spiral after surfacing online and heading for auction. The personal message, dated back to 2017, offers a touching glimpse into the private friendship between the global superstar and the One Direction member during his early solo career.
The Discovery and Auction Details
Omega Auctions revealed the remarkable find on Wednesday through their X account, announcing that the note would be going under the hammer. The message was sent to Payne ahead of their joint performances at Capital FM's Jingle Bell Ball at London's O2 Arena in 2017.
Crafted on Swift's personalised card stock and sealed with her iconic TS wax stamp, the note was addressed simply to 'Liam'. In the message, Swift enthusiastically cheered on Payne during his early solo endeavours following One Direction's hiatus, demonstrating her support away from the public eye.
The auction house has valued the rare piece of pop music memorabilia at between $6,500 and $13,000. According to the listing, Payne later gifted the note to a 'close associate', who has now decided to part with it.
Swift's Heartfelt Words to Payne
The content of Swift's message reveals her genuine admiration for Payne's work and her supportive nature towards fellow artists. 'Liam, Long time no see! I'm so excited for you, you're crushing it out there,' Swift wrote in her distinctive handwriting.
She made specific reference to Payne's October 2017 single, adding: 'I'm obsessed with "Bedroom Floor." It's so cool to see you from afar, I'm always cheering you on. Good luck tonight!'
This personal correspondence emerged during a significant period in Payne's career, following his debut solo single 'Strip That Down' in May 2017 and 'Get Low' in July of the same year.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Meltdown
Images of the rare note spread rapidly across social media platforms, immediately igniting passionate responses from fans of both artists. Many expressed emotional reactions to discovering this previously unknown connection between the two superstars.
One devastated fan commented: 'And now I'm going to cry myself to sleep, thank you.' Another wrote with surprise: 'I had no idea they ever interacted. Just goes to show we never really know what's happening behind the scenes.'
A third fan added heartbreakingly: 'Well this just shattered my heart into a million pieces,' reflecting the emotional impact of the discovery following Payne's tragic death in October 2024.
Historical Context and Band Connections
Swift's handwritten message provides rare insight into her private support for Payne, whose solo career launched after One Direction went on indefinite hiatus in January 2016. This followed the release of their fifth studio album and came after Zayn Malik's departure from the band in March 2015.
While Swift and Payne never publicly discussed their friendship, the American singer had clear connections within One Direction circles. She famously dated Harry Styles from March 2012 to January 2013, and was spotted socialising with Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson at the 2015 Billboard Music Awards afterparty.
Swift later collaborated with Malik on the 2016 hit 'I Don't Wanna Live Forever', yet her friendship with Payne remained notably private throughout.
Timing and Legacy
The auction emerges just ahead of the first anniversary of Payne's tragic death in October 2024, when he fell from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. An autopsy revealed he died of polytrauma, with traces of alcohol, cocaine, and prescription antidepressants found in his system.
Recently, Tomlinson confirmed that Payne's death has 'completely put a pin in' any potential One Direction reunion, stating he doesn't believe it 'would be right'. However, it's believed that the tragedy has brought the remaining band members closer together.
In a significant development, new documents show that Malik has been reinstated as a business director on their company PPM Music Limited, alongside Styles, Tomlinson, and Horan. This marks a notable reconciliation after Malik's role was terminated on June 20, 2016, following his departure from the group in March 2015.
The emergence of Swift's note serves as a poignant reminder of Payne's career and the private friendships that existed behind the scenes of pop music's biggest names, offering fans a new perspective on the relationships between their favourite artists.
