Simon Cowell Breaks Silence on His Final Conversation With Liam Payne Before the Star's Death

In a candid moment, the 66-year-old music mogul reflected on his relationship with the One Direction star, the advice he gave him, and the fallout that followed after some fans pointed the finger at him for the singer's tragic end.

Simon Cowell has spoken publicly for the first time about his final encounter with Liam Payne, just over a year after the singer's tragic death. Cowell, 66, who played a pivotal role in launching One Direction, reflected on the conversation they shared during what would unknowingly be their last meeting.

In an interview with Rolling Stone, Cowell revealed that Payne visited him in 2023 and spoke lovingly about his son, Bear, whom he shared with Cheryl Tweedy. "He came over to my house. We talked about his son and being a dad," Cowell recalled. He also offered Payne some personal advice, telling him:

"Music is not everything. Don't let it run your life anymore. Find something else that you are passionate about."

Payne rose to international stardom as one-fifth of One Direction, a band whose commercial dominance and cultural impact defined the early 2010s.

He co-wrote several of the group's most recognisable tracks, including "Diana," "Story of My Life," and fan-favourite "No Control." The group officially disbanded in 2015 after five years of global success.

Death, Drugs, and an Ongoing Investigation

Payne died on October 16, 2024, after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was 31. An autopsy concluded the cause of death was "polytrauma," a term for multiple injuries across different organs or systems.

A toxicology report, released weeks later, found traces of alcohol, cocaine, and prescription antidepressants in his system. Authorities in Argentina have since launched an extensive investigation into the circumstances of Payne's death.

Initially, five individuals were charged, including Payne's assistant and manager, Rogelio Nores, and hotel staff members Gilda Agustina Martín and Esteban Reynaldo Grassi.

As one of the architects of One Direction, Cowell found himself among those criticised by some fans who questioned the pressures young stars face in the music industry.

Court documents indicated that Nores was aware of Payne's intoxicated and vulnerable state but failed to seek help. Meanwhile, Martín and Grassi were accused of negligence for failing to monitor Payne or obtain medical assistance when he exhibited erratic behaviour in the hotel lobby.

However, in February 2025, charges against Nores and the hotel employees were dropped after a judge ruled the investigation had been handled with "manifest arbitrariness."

Only two defendants, Braian Nahuel Paiz and Ezequiel Pereyra, remain in custody, accused of supplying drugs to Payne. A trial date has not yet been set. Police are still combing through over 800 hours of CCTV footage, as well as mobile phones and laptops, as the investigation continues.

A final inquest in the UK also remains pending. During a pre-inquest review at Buckinghamshire Coroners Court in November, Senior Coroner Crispin Butler stated that additional evidence was still required. He said:

"We will continue to liaise with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to seek to procure full reports, eyewitness statements and other relevant evidence to assess in due course to address the statutory questions at a final inquest."

Cowell Rejects Claims He Is to Blame

Payne's death sent shockwaves through his global fan base, sparking grief, speculation, and scrutiny. As one of the architects of One Direction, Cowell found himself among those criticised by some fans who questioned the pressures young stars face in the music industry.

But Cowell rejected the notion that he bore responsibility. "You ask yourself that question, 'Could I have done anything more? What would've happened to Liam if he hadn't been in the band?'" he said.

Marking one year since his death, Payne's girlfriend and sisters posted heartfelt tributes in his memory.

"Having spoken to his mom and dad recently, all they kept telling me was he was so proud of what he had achieved. I wish I could turn back the clock, of course," he continued. He went on to say that when they last spoke, Payne had appeared to be in a positive frame of mind.

"When I spoke to him that day, I felt really good about him. I thought, 'Wow, you seem in a really good place,'" Cowell stated. He also admitted that he avoids reading online commentary about Payne's death. "[...] You would just torture yourself," he shared, adding:

"The idea that you are essentially responsible for somebody's life, 10 years after you've signed someone? You can't do that."

Despite the speculation, those close to Payne have defended Cowell. Louis Tomlinson, Payne's former bandmate, previously stated that the adults surrounding the group during their meteoric rise had not abandoned them, countering the narrative pushed by some on social media.

Loved Ones Pay Tribute on First Anniversary

Marking one year since his death, Payne's girlfriend and sisters posted heartfelt tributes in his memory. Kate Cassidy shared a black-and-white photo of herself with Payne, lying in bed together, on Instagram on October 16.

His older sister Ruth Gibbins shared a childhood photo of Payne dressed as a "Pirates of the Caribbean" character and penned a deeply emotional message alongside it. Nicola Payne also posted her own tribute, honouring her late brother's memory.

Although many questions remain about the circumstances of Liam Payne's death, his legacy as a devoted father, talented performer, and beloved family member continues to resonate.