Liam Payne’s Friend Speaks Out After Manslaughter Charges Dropped
Rogelio “Roger” Nores, a close friend of the late Liam Payne, is breaking his silence after being cleared of manslaughter charges related to the One Direction star’s tragic death. In a candid interview with Reuters, the Argentinian businessman opened up about his friendship with Payne, the heartbreaking circumstances of his final days, and the backlash he’s faced from devastated fans.
“It Was Just Bad Luck”
The 31-year-old passed away in October 2024 after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. An autopsy confirmed he suffered multiple injuries and internal hemorrhages, with a toxicology report later revealing alcohol, cocaine, and prescription antidepressants in his system.
Nores, who spent nearly every day with Payne in the months leading up to his death, spoke about the singer’s battle with addiction. “As a friend, you see them having a drug problem and you do what you can, but at the end of the day, it’s their decision,” he explained. “You start seeing a chain of events, and it was just bad luck—it happened in a way that ended in tragedy.”
Legal Troubles and Controversy
Following Payne’s death, Nores, along with several hotel employees, was charged with manslaughter. Prosecutors accused Nores of failing to help Payne despite knowing about his struggles. However, after a court hearing in February, the charges against Nores and two hotel staff members were dropped. Two other employees, accused of supplying drugs to Payne, remain in custody awaiting trial.
Nores’ lawyer, Rafael Cuneo Libaron, revealed that Nores had even reached out to Payne’s family before his death, urging them to send him to rehab. “Ultimately, the drugs are at fault for Liam’s death,” the lawyer stated.
Facing Fan Backlash and Defamation Lawsuit
Since Payne’s passing, Nores has been heavily criticized by heartbroken fans searching for answers. Acknowledging their pain, he said, “When someone you grew up with, with their voice, their songs, and all of a sudden they’re gone, it’s hard to deal with. They’re trying to find an explanation.”
The drama didn’t end with the dropped charges. In January, Nores filed a defamation lawsuit against Payne’s father, Geoff, accusing him of making false claims that damaged his reputation. Nores is seeking over $10 million in damages but insists that any financial proceeds from the case will be donated to Payne’s son, Bear.
Payne’s Family Speaks Out
On March 3, Payne’s family released a statement condemning the intense media scrutiny surrounding his death. “Liam’s death was an unspeakable tragedy,” they wrote. “This is a time of tremendous grief and pain for those who knew and loved him.”
They also acknowledged the court’s decision to drop the manslaughter charges, stating, “We understand the investigation was necessary, and we accept the Court of Appeal’s ruling.” However, they emphasized that the ongoing public speculation has caused “indescribable, lasting damage,” particularly for Payne’s seven-year-old son.
Despite the controversy surrounding his final days, Payne’s legacy in the music world remains untarnished. His fans continue to celebrate his contributions and impact on One Direction.
