Kate Cassidy, the girlfriend of the late Liam Payne, has paid tribute to the singer following his tragic death.
The solo artist and former One Direction member died on Wednesday (October 16), following a fatal fall from a third-floor balcony at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The Argentine prosecutor’s office has revealed that the 31-year-old’s cause of death was due to multiple traumas and internal and external bleeding.
Today (October 18), Cassidy – who had been in a relationship with Payne since 2022 and was traveling with him days before his passing – has taken to her Instagram stories to pay tribute to the ‘Strip That Down’ singer.
“Thank you for all of the kind words and love that has been sent my way,” began her message. “I have been at a complete loss. Nothing about the past few days have felt real. I ask and pray that you’ll give me the grace and space to navigate this in private.”
She ended her message by sharing: “Liam, my angel. You are everything. I want you to know I loved you unconditionally and completely. I will continue to love you for the rest of my life. I love you Liam.”
Earlier today, Cheryl spoke out about the “indescribably painful” death of Payne – who was her ex-partner and father to her 7-year-old son Bear – and urged people to “give Liam the little dignity he has left”.
Tributes have been pouring in for the singer over the last two days, including a joint statement from One Direction’s surviving members – Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson and Harry Styles – in which they said that they would need time “to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly.”
Horan shared his own reflections, saying: “I’m absolutely devastated about the passing of my amazing friend, Liam. It just doesn’t feel real. Liam had an energy for life and a passion for work that was infectious. He was the brightest in every room and always made everyone feel happy and secure.
Payne’s family have also issued a statement, saying: “We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul. We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time.”
Simon Cowell, who signed One Direction to his Syco label after their run on The X Factor in 2010, also wrote a touching tribute in which he said he “feels empty” and “heartbroken” by his death.
Sharon Osbourne – who was also a judge on The X Factor, although not on the 2010 season – accused the music industry of “letting down” Liam Payne following his death.
“Liam, my heart aches,” she said. “We all let you down. Where was this industry when you needed them? You were just a kid when you entered one of the toughest industries in the world. Who was in your corner? Rest in peace my friend.”
Osbourne’s tribute to Payne follows comments from Katie Waissel, who competed alongside One Direction on the talent show, calling for more “care and support for young artists”. Similarly, Rebecca Ferguson, who finished in second place on the same season of the show, paid tribute to Payne while also speaking out against the “exploitation and profiteering of young stars.”
Victoria Canal also paid tribute to the late singer and expressed her concern about the “lethality of the internet” following his passing.
