Liam Payne’s family have spoken about media intrusion causing them “indescribable, lasting damage” since the pop stars passing. In a statement released on Sunday, the family said that the “attention and speculation” from the press has caused them suffering, especially Payne’s young son, Bear, who he shares with his ex Cheryl, of Girls Aloud.
In the statement, the family said: “Liam’s death was an unspeakable tragedy,”
“This is a time of tremendous grief and pain for those who knew and loved him. Liam ought to have had a long life ahead of him,” they added about the late One Direction singer.
“Instead, Bear has lost his father, Geoff and Karen have lost their son, Ruth and Nicola have lost their brother and all of Liam’s friends and fans have lost someone they held very dear.”
They also said that Bear is now “trying to process emotions which no 7-year-old should have to experience.”
The family’s statement comes after Argentinian authorities have dropped charges against Payne’s friend Roger Nores, and two hotel workers. Five people were arrested and charged in connection with the One Direction stars death, with Nores charged with negligent homicide, and the hotel employees charged with manslaughter.
Payne’s family addressed this in their statement: “We understand that the investigation into Liam’s death was absolutely necessary and the family recognises the work done by the Argentinian authorities. However, the family accepts the Court of Appeal’s decision to drop all charges.”
Two other men are still charged with supplying drugs to Payne on the night of his fatal fall.
Payne died, age 31, in October 2024 after falling from the balcony of a third-story hotel room in Casa Sur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The ‘For You’ singer suffered multiple head traumas, including a fractured skull, leading to internal and external bleeding. At the time of his death, he was intoxicated, with alcohol and multiple drugs in his system.
The family also acknowledged the emotional tribute to Liam at the Brit Awards on Saturday: “This weekend, at the Brit Awards, Liam was remembered for his phenomenal contribution to British music and for his wider, positive impact on millions of adoring fans the world over. We joined in that celebration of his life and will forever remember the joy that his music brought to the world.”
In an emotional segment mid-show segment, Jack Whitehall, one of Payne’s friends, led the tribute, saying that “He achieved so much in the short time that he was on this earth, and was not only a supremely gifted musician but an incredibly kind soul who touched the lives of everyone he came into contact with,”
“We have so many amazing memories of Liam here at the Brits, so tonight we celebrate his legacy and look back and remember the remarkable Liam Payne.”
The screens then showed a montage of the late musician, with live performances, soundbites from interviews, and photos and videos from throughout his life and career – set to ‘Little Things’ by One Direction. You can find our write-up of this year’s Brit Awards here.
