Katie Waissel has called for more “care and support for young artists” following the death of the former One Direction member, Liam Payne.
The singer died after falling from a third-floor balcony at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, yesterday (October 16). As per The Guardian, the Argentinian prosecutor’s office revealed that Payne’s cause of death was due to multiple traumas and internal and external bleeding – his head injuries were serious enough to cause death.
Waissel was on The X Factor during season seven, the same season in which One Direction was formed. The singer-songwriter took to her official X/Twitter account to discuss the need for more support and care for young artists and how Payne’s passing serves as a “reminder of the systemic neglect that persists in the industry.”
“It is with a profoundly heavy heart that I share this statement on the tragic loss of my dear friend, Liam Payne. We first met in 2010 on The X Factor, where Liam became my confidant and my rock, offering unwavering support during some of my darkest moments on that journey,” began her tweet.
It is with a profoundly heavy heart that I share this statement on the tragic loss of my dear friend, Liam Payne. We first met in 2010 on The X Factor, where Liam became my confidant and my rock, offering unwavering support during some of my darkest moments on that journey.
Liam…
— Katie Waissel (@katiewaissel24) October 17, 2024
She continued, calling Payne “kind, with a pure heart, a sharp mind, and the wisdom of an old soul”. “His warmth and compassion left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His tragic passing not only leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of those who loved him but also serves as a painful reminder of the systemic neglect that persists in the industry.
“There are those who had a responsibility to provide the care and support necessary for the well-being of young artists, but too often, the focus remained on profits rather than the people. This industry has treated talent like commodities, and the negligence of duty of care has once again led to a heart-wrenching loss.”
Waissel then went on to point out Simon Cowell’s recent interview with Steven Bartlett in which the former X Factor judge revealed that his greatest regret was not owning the One Direction name because had he owned it, he’d be able to profit off of the band without anyone’s approval.
“The real regret should be the failure to prioritize the emotional and physical welfare of the artists who put their trust in these institutions,” Waissel wrote. “Contracts, whether they are for television shows or record deals, come with a legal and moral duty of care that must be upheld.”
She shared that she is heartbroken for Payne’s family – who have recently issued a statement in regard to his death – as well as his son Bear and ex-partner Cheryl as well as “all those whose lives have been forever altered by this unimaginable loss.”
“Liam, I am so deeply sorry for all that you went through,” she concluded. “Your spirit will live on in the hearts of so many, and your story will continue to be told. The change the industry so desperately needs will come, and we will honor your legacy until it does. Keep singing in the sky, my friend.”
Back in 2021, Waissel revealed that she underwent therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after suffering panic attacks and suicidal thoughts following her being labelled as the “most hated” contestant of the X Factor.
Last year, the musician – who is now a lawyer – sued Cowell’s record company Syco Entertainment over an alleged breach of duty of care while she was on the series.
Waissel also launched O.W.H.L, a pioneering platform “within the creative industries, establishing a transparent network where members verify and vouch for each other, ensuring safety and accountability in collaborations” (as per the website’s about page).
Through O.W.H.L, she has created #FORTHERECORD, a campaign which is described as a “Global call for collective action, urging individuals working within the creative industry to courageously and anonymously submit reports of wrongdoing they’ve experienced or witnessed.”
“By combining our voices and reports we can hold the industry accountable, leaving no choice but to confront reality and take meaningful action. United in our collective call, we affirm: if ‘They’ won’t, ‘We’ will,” read a statement on the website’s page.
We are heartbroken by the sad passing of Liam Payne.
He was immensely talented and, as part of One Direction, Liam will leave a lasting legacy on the music industry and fans around the world.
Our thoughts are with his friends, family and all who loved him. pic.twitter.com/wOXUTKPUiR— The X Factor (@TheXFactor) October 17, 2024
Following Payne’s passing, The X Factor shared a message on social media, writing, “He was immensely talented and, as part of One Direction, Liam will leave a lasting legacy on the music industry and fans around the world.”
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.”
“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,” Ferguson wrote in a tweet.
“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”