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Celebrities and musicians from across the world are paying tribute to Liam Payne after the shock death of the former One Direction star at the age of 31.
Payne fell to his death from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on 16 October. A full investigation and autopsy have been launched by local authorities into the singer’s passing.
A spokesperson for Payne’s family said in a statement: “We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul. We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time.“
Television network MTV was among the first to pay its respects, saying in a statement: “We’re deeply saddened to learn of Liam Payne’s tragic passing today. During this difficult time, our hearts remain with his family, loved ones, and fans.”
Follow live updates and tributes following the death of Liam Payne here.
The X-Factor where Payne was discovered and became a member of One Direction said that they were “heartbroken” by his death, adding: “He was immensely talented and, as part of One Direction, Liam will leave a lasting legacy on the music industry and fans around the world. “
Ant Middleton said he “formed a brotherhood” with Payne after they filmed a documentary together in 2019. The ex-Special Forces soldier described the former One Direction singer as “a good friend of mine” after the pair journeyed through Namibia for the programme Ant Middleton & Liam Payne: Straight Talking.
Middleton said during a live interview on Australia’s The Morning Show that it was “the first time hearing” of Payne’s death at the age of 31 after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires.
“After we filmed Straight Talking With Ant Middleton, he was my first celebrity guest and we formed a brotherhood,” Middleton told hosts Kylie Gillies and Larry Emdur.
“He was like a younger brother to me. He would confide in me, I’d go around and see him.”
Oasis frontman, Liam Gallagher wrote on X/Twitter on Thursday morning: “Life is precious kids and you only get to do it ONCE go easy LG x.” When asked if he had seen the news about Payne, Gallagher confirmed that he had, calling it “very sad”.
They were followed by socialite and singer Paris Hilton, who wrote on X: “So upsetting to hear the news of @LiamPayne passing. Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. RIP my friend.”
In a statement from Keir Starmer read: “The Prime Minister’s sincere condolences are with Liam’s family and friends at this time. One Direction were one of the biggest bands in history, and the music has a huge impact on many millions of fans around the world.”
One of the biggest boy bands of all time, The Backstreet Boys, wrote: “Words can not express the emotions we are collectively feeling right now, and it seems like the rest of the world is in the same boat.”
Jedward, the Irish pop duo, who, like One Direction, rose to fame on The X Factor wrote: “RIP Liam Payne. condolences to friends and family.”
Another boyband, Blue wrote on their social media channels that they were “shocked and devastated to hear the news last night. Look after each other, everyone.”
They added a message to his former partner Cheryl Cole, saying: “Sending strength to Cheryl and his son Bear and all the One direction Family.”
The Public Enemy rapper Flavor Flav also shared his thoughts on social media, writing: “RIP to Liam Payne,,, much too young.”
Rylan, another former X Factor contestant, wrote: “Extremely sad news. V tragic and so young. RIP Liam x”
US singer-songwriter Charlie Puth paid tribute to Payne with an uncaptioned picture of the pair together. On his Instagram stories, he wrote: “I am in shock right now. Liam was always so kind to me. He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I can not believe he is gone.”
He also added a video of himself with Payne, writing: “I’m so upset right now, may he rest in peace.”
Anne Twist, Harry Styles’ mother, shared a photo of a broken heart emoji on her Instagram with a caption that said: “Just a boy…”
Greg Horan, the brother of Payne’s band mate, Niall, said in a heartfelt statement on Instagram: “You will be forever missed Liam. Words can’t describe how much I want to grab my brother and mind him now while the world shows their memories of you and him and the boys.”
Boyzone singer Mikey Graham wrote on X: “Rip Liam Payne. Such tragic news. I think it would be a wise move for record companies to have psychologists on their books from now on in his memory as a duty of care for the vulnerability of their young talent. Fame can be very damaging especially in today’s world. Lots of money. Nobody to help. Lots of yes people. Nobody honest.”
On Instagram, X Factor host Dermot O’Leary posted a black-and-white photograph of himself with Payne during the show. “The worst news. I remember him as a 14-year-old turning up to audition on The X Factor, and blowing us away singing Sinatra. He just loved to sing,” wrote O’Leary. “He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble. Sending love and prayers to his family.”
Speaking on This Morning, O’Leary added: “He was both wise and sort of a young soul at the same time. He had this sort of old bones about him and yet he was always quite beautifully wide eyed out the world.”
Lou Teasdale, who used to be One Direction’s hairdresser, posted on X: “Sending you all so much love.”
Dan Richards, One Direction’s guitarist, posted a story on his Instagram, writing: “This all feels so surreal…Still trying to wrap my head around it all. My thoughts go out to Liams family at this time.”
The Wanted’s lead singer Max George posted a tribute on X, writing: “Devastated. Liam was an unbelievably supportive during one of the most difficult times in my life. I will never forget that. My thoughts are with his family, friends and fans at this horrendous time. Rest in peace Liam.”
In a strong statement, Rebecca Ferguson, who met Payne on The X-Factor called out the “exploitation and profiteering of young stars”.
She added: “Many of us are devastated and reflective today as it has finally taken its first victim. Rest in Peace Liam, I hope you find peace on the other side and love to your mum and family x.”
Singer Corbyn Besson shared a picture of the band and wrote: “Damn this Liam Payne news got me speechless… looked up to 1D so much during the wdw days. You really never know when it’s your time to go. Remind your friends/family that you love them today and every day.”
Fifty Shades of Grey author E L James said: “I am heartbroken to hear of the tragic passing of Liam Payne. I can barely believe it. Sincere condolences to his family.”
The Brit Awards shared a picture of Payne and wrote: “We’re incredibly sad to learn of the tragic passing of Liam Payne. Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family at this time.”
Waliyha Malik, the sister of Payne’s ex-band mate Zayn, shared a picture of her with Payne adding on X/Twitter: “I can’t believe it, I honestly have no words for this sad moment… I really can’t believe it.”
Payne’s football team West Bromwich Albion, said that they were “saddened” to learn of the passing of the Baggies fan and extended their thoughts to his “family, friends and loved ones.”
Music producer Zedd, wrote: “Life is short and fragile… You never know what people are going through. We live in times where being rude, divisive and mean is normal; sometimes even celebrated. It doesn’t have to be this way. We should do our best to be kind, supportive and mindful.”
Rolling Stones member Ronnie Wood has said that he was shocked to hear of Payne’s death and said that it “was a pleasure to work with him on our X Factor performance.”
BBC radio DJ Scott Mills shared several images of himself with Payne, writing: “Never in a million years would I think we would have to see goodbye to you so soon Liam. We had so much fun back then, and I feel so incredibly sad.”
YouTuber Caspar Lee, who made several videos with Payne, said: “I met Liam a few times back when I was a fan of 1D, and he was always so disarming. I remember being nervous to film with celebrities, but he had this way of putting people at ease. It’s really sad to hear the news, and my thoughts are with his loved ones.”
Music streaming platforms Spotify and Amazon Music also shared separate condolence messages on social media.
The football charity Soccer Aid, which saw Payne captain England in the 2022 fixture, thanked him for “everything you did to help support children around the world.”
Singer Rita Ora, who performed with Liam Payne on “For You,” from the film Fifty Shades Freed said the news of his death “breaks my heart”. She posted to X: “I’m devastated. He had the kindest soul, I will never forget. I loved working with him so much – he was just such a joy to be around on and off stage. This tragic news breaks my heart. Sending all my love and prayers to his family and loved ones. Our song For You takes on a whole new meaning for me now. R.I.P.”
Broadcaster Piers Morgan wrote on X: “Good grief.. what a shocking tragedy.”
Additional reporting from PA.