Music mogul Simon Cowell has publicly addressed the tragic death of former One Direction star Liam Payne, firmly dismissing any sense of personal guilt. Payne, who rose to fame on Cowell's television show The X Factor, died last year at the age of 31 after a fall from a hotel balcony in Argentina.
Cowell's Defence and Parental Meeting
In a candid interview with the Daily Mail, Cowell reflected on the intense criticism he faced following the pop star's passing, with some linking Payne's struggles to the pressures of fame cultivated by talent shows. Cowell defended his role, stating he does not feel guilty. "Not guilty," was his direct response when questioned about the matter.
He revealed that he met with Liam's parents several months after the tragedy. "Both his mum and dad said to me that music was Liam's passion," Cowell shared. "His proudest moment was getting through The X Factor the second time." Cowell emphasised that Payne's determination to return to the show after an initial audition spoke volumes about his character and drive.
The Heartbreaking Moment He Received the News
Cowell, now 66, recounted the devastating moment he learned of Payne's death while filming Britain's Got Talent in Blackpool. "As soon as I saw her face, I could see she was upset," he said of a colleague who delivered the news. He described the impact as profound, comparing it to the loss of his own parents. "Nothing has affected me like that since I lost my mum and dad."
His immediate instinct was to reach out to Payne's family. "All I remember was saying, 'I've got to speak to his parents.' I managed to speak to them, thank God. Immediately," Cowell stated. He described the conversation as "just horrific," saying both he and the grieving parents were "in pieces."
Seeking Solace in a Private Retreat
In the wake of the tragedy, the television judge explained that he needed time alone to process his grief. He sought solace in a "private place" away from his fiancée Lauren Silverman and their son Eric.
"I've got to just go away somewhere on my own for a few days," Cowell expressed. "Like a retreat, where I was able to switch off. I just sort of meditated and thought about things, because I was so upset. Then you have to come back to your life again."
Cowell concluded by reaffirming his belief that being in One Direction was the right path for Liam. "All I know is he was immensely proud about what he'd achieved... He really wanted to be well-known and successful. And I think being in the band was the best thing for him."
