The news of the death of Liam Payne shook the music world, at 31 years old, the former member of One Direction fell from a third floor in the hotel CasaSur Palermo in Buenos Aireswhere he was for personal reasons. His death was instantaneous, and early media reports suggest it may have been an accident, although investigations continue.
The impact of his tragic end quickly resonated on social media, where fans and former bandmates began to express their grief. However, a key figure in his life remained silent: Simon Cowellthe music mogul who was not only responsible for the creation of One Directionbut also some of the most tense and difficult moments in Payne’s career.
The band’s followers were quick to point out the complicated relationship between the two, reviving old disputes that had come to light in recent years.
Liam’s death has not only left a void in the music industry, but has also reopened wounds that never fully healed. One of them, perhaps the most notable, is the fractured relationship between Payne and Cowell, a relationship that was always marked by tensions, public criticism and irreconcilable differences.
Liam Payne met Simon Cowell when I was just 14 years old. In 2008, he auditioned for the British version of The X Factor and, although his talent was evident, Cowell did not consider him ready for a musical career. “I think there’s potential in you, Liam, but I feel like you’re missing some excitement and fun.”the businessman told him at the time. Despite her apparent rejection, Cowell asked her to try again in two years.
And so he did. In 2010, Payne returned to the show, more mature and determined, with an impeccable performance of “Cry Me a River”. This time, Cowell congratulated him and included him in One Directiona group that emerged from the union of Payne with four other talented young people: Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan and Zayn Malik. Thus began one of the most successful boy bands in history, selling more than 50 million records worldwide.
Despite the success, the relationship between Payne and Cowell was never easy. From his first days in One Directionthe singer felt he was under constant pressure to meet the expectations of Cowell and his team. The band released five albums in five yearsand the exhausting schedule of tours, interviews and promotions ended up affecting the mental health of all the members.
Liam, who went on to describe the experience as feeling like “a caged animal”was one of the most vocal about the negative effects of that hectic life. Zayn Malikwho left the band in 2015, also noted in various interviews that exhaustion and stress were the main reasons behind his departure. “We were just a money machine, and no one really cared about how we felt.”said a source close to the group, describing the dynamic under Cowell’s command.
Over time, tensions between Payne and the tycoon increased. In a 2022 interview on the podcast impulsive of Logan Paul, Payne made an explosive revelation by claiming that One Direction had been formed around him. Furthermore, he assured that Simon Cowell He had planned his entry into the group from the beginning, although the videos of The X Factor would later show that it was Nicole Scherzinger who insisted that Payne should be included.
Payne’s comment did not go unnoticed, and tensions between the two became public. Even in 2016, during a press conference of America’s Got TalentCowell launched a subtle criticism towards the singer. “The vast majority of the One Direction boys are incredibly loyal…well, not all.”he said, in clear reference to Payne’s signature with Capitol Records instead of with the Cowell stamp, Syco.
This definitive break in their personal and professional relationship continued for years. In 2024, just a few months before Payne’s death, other former members of One Direction as Louis Tomlinson and Niall Horan They stopped following Cowell on social media, further fueling rumors that discontent with their former mentor was not limited to Payne alone.
With Payne’s death, many fans expected a reaction from Simon Cowellwho until now has kept a low profile. According to reports, the producer felt devastated after learning of the tragedy, but has preferred to remain silent. A close source told Daily Mail that Cowell was “genuinely sick” by the news and that he considered Payne “just another son.”
Despite these statements, the public is still waiting for a possible official statement. On social networks, criticism of Cowell was immediate. Some users even asked that he not issue any tributes to Payne, arguing that his treatment of the band and, particularly, Liam himself had been part of the problem that led the singer to his tragic end.
The relationship between Liam Payne and Simon Cowell It was always a mixture of success and tension. Yes ok One Direction became one of the most iconic bands of the last decade, the price members paid in terms of mental health and personal well-being remains a matter of debate. Payne’s death has put these issues back on the table, reminding everyone that behind the shine of fame lie stories of exhaustion, frustration and, in many cases, wounds that never heal.