In his first public comments addressing the death of Liam Payne, music mogul Simon Cowell is responding to those who have pointed fingers at him, while also sharing poignant memories of his final conversation with the former One Direction star.
Simon Cowell responds to being blamed for Liam Payne’s death
Simon Cowell opened up for the first time about the accusations circulating online that he placed too much pressure on Liam Payne and the rest of One Direction during the height of their fame. He firmly rejected claims that he influenced Payne’s life a decade after signing the group on The X Factor in 2010.
“I don’t read any of this stuff because if I did, you would just torture yourself,” Cowell said on the Rolling Stone Music Now podcast. “The idea that you are essentially responsible for somebody’s life, 10 years after you’ve signed someone? You can’t do that.”
Cowell, who created The X Factor and signed One Direction to his Syco Records label after the show, said the news of Payne’s death “really hit me.” Liam Payne died in October 2024 at age 31 after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. A toxicology report indicated traces of alcohol, cocaine, and prescription antidepressants at the time of his death.
Reflecting on their last interaction a year before, Cowell recalled encouraging Payne to step back from the pressures of the industry. “I remember saying, ‘Music is not everything. Don’t let it run your life anymore. Find something else that you are passionate about,” he shared. Payne had been navigating fatherhood with his son Bear, while Cowell’s own experiences with his son Eric informed their conversation.
Cowell admitted that Payne’s death left him questioning whether he could have offered more support. “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?’” As part of processing the loss, Cowell recently spoke with Payne’s parents, Geoff and Karen, who expressed pride in their son’s accomplishments.
