One Direction Releases Heartfelt Statement for Former Bandmate Liam Payne

Two days after the tragic death of bandmate Liam Payne, members of One Direction posted heartfelt tributes for their “brother.” The British singer died after falling from a third-floor balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Wednesday. He was 31. 

A day after news broke, the four remaining members, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, Harry Styles, and Zayn Malik released an emotional joint statement.

“We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing. In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly,” the statement signed by “Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry,” read.

Besides this collective statement, each member of the former boy band posted a tribute to Payne on social media. 

In his statement, Niall Horan wrote that the passing of his former bandmate, “Doesn’t feel real”. 

Liam Payne and his girlfriend Kate Cassidy had flown to Argentina two weeks prior, to watch Horan on tour. While One Direction split up in 2016, Payne shared on Snapchat that he was going to catch up with his former bandmate, and that it had been a while since the two had last spoken.

Later he posted videos of himself singing and dancing at the concert in Argentina.

“I feel so fortunate that I got to see him recently. I sadly didn’t know that after saying goodbye and hugging him that evening, I would be saying goodbye forever. It’s heartbreaking,” Niall posted on social media on Friday.

Zayn Malik, who has had a complicated relationship with Payne over the years, also had some heartfelt words to share. On Friday, he wrote: “you were headstrong, opinionated, and gave no f**** about telling people when they were wrong. Even though we butted heads because of this a few times, I always secretly respected you for it”. 

In 2022, Payne shared details about his turbulent relationship with Malik on a podcast. He later apologized for the statements, Tweeting that despite their disagreements, “Zayn is my brother and I will stand by him forever.”

On Friday, Malik honored his former bandmate’s talent, saying “when it comes to music Liam, you were the most qualified in every sense.”

Harry Styles first described Payne as warm, supportive and incredibly loving, before ending his statement by saying his heart breaks for Payne’s family, and all those around the world who knew and loved him.

Payne leaves behind a 7-year-old son, Bear, whom he had with his ex Cheryl Cole, who now only goes by Cheryl. 

Louis Tomlinson, in his tribute, spoke about how Payne and he had gotten even closer following the split, and mentioned that the two “speak on the phone for hours”.

Tomlinson also promised to look out for Liam Payne’s son: “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.”