Celebrities are mourning the loss of former One Direction band member Liam Payne.
News broke on Wednesday, October 16, that Payne died at age 31 due to sustaining injuries after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. Payne fell from the third floor of the CasaSur Palermo Hotel, Us Weekly confirmed at the time.
Payne rose to stardom in 2008 when he appeared on the British series The X Factor. Despite his elimination, he returned in 2010 and was recruited to be a member of the boy band One Direction. The group, which was created by Simon Cowell, included Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik in addition to Payne. The band released several hit tracks including “What Makes You Beautiful” and “Story of My Life.”
Payne was the father of son Bear, whom he welcomed in March 2017 with ex Cheryl Cole.
Scroll down to see celebrities paying tribute to Payne:
Paris Hilton
“So upsetting to hear the news of @LiamPayne passing,” she wrote via X. “Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. RIP my friend.”
Joe Exotic
“Rip,” the reality star wrote via X.
Juicy J
“R.I.P. Liam Payne wow I can’t believe it prayers up for the family,” Juicy J, who collaborated with Payne and Wiz Khalifa on the 2016 track “You,” wrote via X.
Zedd
“RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real…,” Zedd wrote via X. “absolutely heartbreaking …”
Charlie Puth
“I am in shock right now,” Puth wrote via his Instagram Story. “Liam was always so kind to me. He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I cannot believe he is gone…”
Puth shared a clip of him and Payne, writing, “I am so upset right now, may he rest in peace.” He also uploaded a video of Payne praising Puth’s talents during an interview, adding, “I am so sorry…”
Jack Johnson
“if this Liam Payne news is true that s— is honestly so gut wrenching,” the Jack & Jack band member wrote via X. “Was such a nice guy the few times me and G ran into him, f— the Internet for being so ruthless over the past few months… forreal such a toxic environment on here mannnn that’s so sad.”
Ashley Iaconetti
“Oh my goodness, I am so sad and shocked to hear of the passing of Liam Payne. I immediately thought of his young son. This is heartbreaking,” the Bachelor in Paradise alum wrote via her Instagram Story. “He had one of my favorite boy band voices. I’ll always remember when my friend was turning me into a One Direction fan in grad school and she showed me their performance of ‘Gotta Be You’ on the X Factor. The first verse he sang converted me into a fan instantly. I had chills. My heart goes out to his family and friends.”
Ashley Iaconetti and Liam Payne Courtesy of Ashley Iaconetti/Instagram
Lou Teasdale
“I hope you’re all OK,” the former One Direction hairstylist wrote via her Instagram Story, adding a hand heart emoji and a red heart emoji. She also posted via X, writing, “Sending you all so much love ❤️💔.”
Flavor Flav
“RIP to Liam Payne ,,, much too young 🙏🏾,” the rapper wrote via X.
Corbyn Besson
“Damn this Liam Payne news got me speechless … looked up to 1D so much during the wdw days,” the former Why Don’t We singer wrote via X. “You really never know when it’s your time to go. remind your friends/family that you love them today and every day.”
Olly Murs
“This news is devastating, am lost for words 😣 we always had a good laugh when we saw each other, sometimes the catch ups were only short and sweet but when we did it was mostly about how annoyingly good his hair always looked, or our love for Becks, the old XF days and the tour we shared together,” the singer captioned a photo of himself and Payne on Instagram.”Liam shared the same passions as me, the same dreams so to see his life now end so young hits hard, I’m truly gutted and devastated for his Family and of course his son Bear losing a dad x am thinking of them! RIP Liam 🙏🏻😣.”
Liam Gallagher
“Life is precious kids and you only get to do it ONCE go easy LG x,” the Oasis member wrote via X.
Mikey Graham
The Boyzone member called Payne’s passing “such tragic news” in an X tribute. “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🙏🏻.”
Dermot O’Leary
O’Leary, who hosted The X-Factor during the years Payne competed on the show, shared a black-and-white photo of himself and the singer via Instagram. “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 recalled in the post’s caption. “He just loved to sing. He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble. Sending love and prayers to his family. Dx.”
Backstreet Boys
The boy band sent their condolences to Payne’s loved ones in an Instagram Story statement, writing, “Words can not [sic] express the emotions we are collectively feeling right now, and it seems like the rest of the world is in the same boat.”
The group’s message continued: “Our hearts go out to Liam’s family, friends, and directioners around the world. Rest in peace brother.”
Max George
The Wanted singer wrote that he was “devastated” by Payne’s death via X, adding, “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.”
One Direction may be on an extended hiatus, but Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik have continued to make music — and headlines — over the years. After forming and finishing in third place on the U.K.’s version of The X Factor in 2010, One Direction released four successful studio […]
Kelsey Parker
Kelsey, the widow of The Wanted member Tom Parker, took to Instagram to pay tribute to Payne, calling him “one of the kindest souls who supported Tom and I.” She wrote: “You’ve continued to support me and the children in recent years❤️. I will never forget the love and support you showed to us. I really hope you found peace 🙏🏻✨. My thoughts are with your family, friends and loved ones❤️.”
In a follow-up post, Kelsey stated: “Today is a reminder that life is too damn short. So love a little deeper, hug a little tighter, and never pass up the chance to say ‘I love you’ to those you love because tomorrow is never promised.”
Lance Bass
“My thoughts and with the family, friends and fans💔,” the ‘NSync singer wrote via his Instagram Story.
Noah Cyrus
In a lengthy Instagram Story message, Cyrus wrote that she feels “so fortunate to have been in the same generation as Liam Payne and the phenomenon of 1D.”
She continued: “Liam you are so loved and will always be loved by so many. This is the most devastating, awful, heart breaking news, I’m sending so much love to his family, girlfriend, and the close people around him.”
Cyrus noted that she felt “so lucky” to be a member of the One Direction fandom. “We are so lucky to have known Liam Payne the singer and performer,” she stated. “But my heart goes out to the Liam Payne who was suffering behind closed doors. My heart goes out to his fans as well because I’m absolutely crushed and I imagine so many are so broken by the loss of someone sp special.”
She concluded her post by thanking Payne “for the laughs, smiles, and songs,” adding, “You will live forever through those. You will never be forgotten.”
Over the years, Liam Payne shared many candid comments about his ups and downs with mental health. Us Weekly confirmed in October 2024 that the former One Direction member died at age 31 after falling from a third-floor balcony at a Buenos Aires hotel. His cause of death was not revealed at the time. One […]
Josh Devine
“Heartbreaking news. I just pray for Liam’s family and all that knew and loved him,” the former One Direction drummer wrote via Instagram Story. “Some of my fav memories in life were because of this man. No words. 💔.”
Rita Ora
Ora, who previously collaborated with Payne on the 50 Shades soundtrack song “For You,” noted via Instagram that she was “devastated” by his death.
“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,” Ora wrote on October 17. “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 🕊️.”
Laura Whitmore
“The One Direction lads first came into MTV when they stole the hearts of the nation on XFactor. All talented in their own right, all optimistic and excited about what was ahead,” the former Love Island UK host wrote via Instagram on October 17. “Bumped into Liam over the years many times on different shows and out and about and he was always so lovely and giving of his time.”
Whitmore added, “He was a Popstar but more importantly someone’s son, father – loved by so many who are left heartbroken. My thoughts with his loved ones. I can’t believe it, but also I can. Which is devastating.”
Alesso
The DJ remembered making Payne’s song “Midnight,” a bonus track from his debut album.
“Can’t believe you’re gone, Liam. I’m grateful we got to create magic together on ‘Midnight’ and even more thankful for the friendship we had,” Alesso wrote via Instagram on October 17. “We shared many laughs and great memories that I’ll carry with me always. Rest easy, my friend. ❤️🕊️.”
Ronnie Wood
The Rolling Stones musician paid tribute via X, writing, “I am shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Liam Payne. It was a pleasure to work with him on our X Factor performance. God bless Liam, thinking of all his loved ones. He will be dearly missed.”
Cher Lloyd
“From being on the show together, visiting each others homes while filming, going on tour together and watching you achieve your dreams. I’ll cherish the memories made and the laughs we had,” Lloyd, who also appeared on The X Factor UK in 2010, wrote via Instagram. “My thoughts are with your family and friends, with everyone who loves you. My heart is breaking for your Son Bear. Rest in peace Liam.”
Rebecca Ferguson
“It’s always a hotel room! We both met at Euston station and shared the taxi together to X factor, young, innocent and unaffected by fame,” Ferguson wrote via X. “I can’t help but think of that boy who was hopeful and looking forward to his bright future ahead. If he hadn’t jumped on that train and jumped in that taxi I believe he would be alive today.”
She continued: “I’ve spoken for years about the exploitation and profiteering of young stars and the effects — many of us are still living with the aftermath and the PTSD. 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.”
Marvin Humes
“I first met Liam in 2008 with the JLS boys whilst auditioning for X Factor,” Humes wrote via Instagram. “He was 14 years old..we instantly clicked and looked at him as a little brother..that year it worked out for us but not for him and then 2 years later he went back to audition and One Direction was born..the rest is history..”
He continued, “Absolutely heartbroken by the tragic news..Liam you wanted to be a global superstar and you did it bro..just can’t believe that things have ended this way..it’s shocking..my thoughts and prayers are with all your family and friends brother..RIP 🖤.”
Jade Thirwall
“The news of Liam’s passing is truly heartbreaking. Sending so much love to his family, friends, fans, loved ones, and all who knew him,” the Little Mix singer wrote via her Instagram Story.
She continued, “We fell out of touch as the years went by, but back in 2008 he was the first friend I made in this industry. Both of us so young, so ambitious, both hoping we’d ‘make it.’ I hope you are at peace now.”
Paul Wesley
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of my friend Liam. Such a tragedy. Far too young,” the actor wrote via social media.
Louis Tomlinson
“I am beyond devastated to be writing this but yesterday I lost a brother. Liam was somebody I looked up to everyday, such a positive, funny, and kind soul,” Tomlinson wrote via Instagram, becoming the first One Direction member to speak out.
He gushed, “And for the record, Liam was in my opinion the most vital part of One Direction. His experience from a young age, his perfect pitch, his stage presence, his gift for writing. The list goes on. Thank you for shaping us Liam.”
Tomlinson directed a separate message to Payne, writing, “I feel beyond lucky to have had you in my life but I’m really struggling with the idea of saying goodbye. I’m so grateful that we got even closer since the band, speaking on the phone for hours, reminiscing about all the thousands of amazing memories we had together is a luxury I thought I’d have with you for life. I would have loved to share the stage with you again, but it wasn’t to be.”
He concluded: “Payno, my boy, one of my best friends, my brother, I love you mate. Sleep well X.”
Zayn Malik
“I never got to thank you for supporting me through some of the most difficult times in my life,” Malik wrote in a social media statement, praising Payne for being his “friend” from their days in One Direction and beyond.
“I lost a brother when you left us and I can’t explain to you what I’d give to just give you a hug one last time and say goodbye to you properly and tell you that I loved and respected you dearly,” he continued. “I will cherish all the memories I have with you in my heart forever.”
Malik concluded, “I hope that wherever you are right now you are good and are at peace and you know how loved you are.”
Harry Styles
“I am truly devastated by Liam’s passing,” the former One Direction singer wrote via Instagram one day after Payne’s death. “His greatest joy was making other people happy, and it was an honor to be alongside him as he did it.”
Styles explained that Payne “lived wide open, with his heart on his sleeve, he had an energy for life that was infectious.” He called the late singer “warm, supportive, and incredibly loving.”
He continued: “The years we spent together will forever remain among the most cherished years of my life. I will miss him always, my lovely friend.”
Ed Sheeran
Sheeran wrote many songs for One Direction and contributed to Payne’s solo debut, “Strip That Down.”
“At a loss for words,” Sheeran wrote via Instagram on October 18. “My thoughts are with his family and loved ones, every memory I have with him is a great one, just such a heartbreaking situation. Be kind.”
James Corden
“Talking about Liam in the past tense is utterly heartbreaking,” Corden wrote in an Instagram tribute. “He was such a loving and kind soul. I will treasure the moments I got to spend with him. My thoughts are with his family today.”
Leigh-Anne Pinnock
“This is just heartbreaking,” the Little Mix alum wrote via Instagram Story on October 18. “Every time we crossed paths, he was so lovely and humble. I’ll never forget seeing One Direction on tour for the first time and being instantly drawn to Liam’s stage presence. You could just tell he was made for that stage. Gone way too soon.”
Pinnock added, “Sending all my love and condolences to his family and everyone close to him.”
Jessie J
The “Domino” singer shared a tribute via her Instagram Story, writing, “Rest easy, Liam. My 💔for his son, family and friends and all those who worked with him and everyone that loved his music. So incredibly sad.”
Jaden Smith
The son of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith mourned Payne via X, writing, “Rest In Peace Liam You Were A Light In This World And You Will Be Missed Love You Brother.”
Maggie Rogers
During Rogers’ October 17 concert in Boston, she played an acoustic cover of One Direction’s “Night Changes” as a tribute to Payne.
“This week, in particular, I’ve been thinking how precious life is and how quickly things can change,” she said, per fan footage. “Any time a public figure, especially a musical peer, slips off, it’s really present and I’ve been sending a bunch of love to my friends and my band the last couple days. … I wanted to just honor anyone who has been touched by [One Direction’s] music or those songs.”
