Following a tribute at the Brit Awards last night (1 March), Liam Payne’s family have criticised the media over its coverage of his death.
The singer died at the age of 31 on 16 October 2024 after falling from the third-floor balcony of the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
With a UK inquest later confirming Payne’s medical cause of death as ‘polytrauma’, speculation and conspiracy broke out at the time, as rumours around the circumstances spiralled.
Five people were initially charged for involvement in the former One Direction star’s death. But Argentinian authorities recently dropped manslaughter charges against one of his friends, Rogelio ‘Roger’ Nores, and two members of the hotel staff.
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In a statement released this morning, Payne’s family said that ‘constant media attention and speculation’ that has accompanied the investigation has ‘exacted indescribable, lasting damage’ on them.
They added: “Particularly on Liam's son who is trying to process emotions which no seven-year-old should have to experience.
"The family has always wished for privacy to grieve and asks that they be given the space and time to do so.”
Brits Tribute to Liam Payne
The Brit Awards paid a touching tribute to Payne as the emotional segment was led by presenter Jack Whitehall.
Having been a friend of the star’s, the comedian described him as a ‘very special person’ as viewers were left in tears.
"He achieved so much in the short time that he was on this earth, and was not only a supremely gifted musician but an incredibly kind soul who touched the lives of everyone he came into contact with," said Whitehall.
"We have so many amazing memories of Liam here at the Brits, so tonight we celebrate his legacy and look back and remember the remarkable Liam Payne."
Set to One Direction’s ‘Little Things’, a montage played of the star featuring images, performances, clips and sound-bites.
His family said they had ‘joined in with that celebration of his life’
Liam Payne’s family’s statement in full
"Liam's death was an unspeakable tragedy. This is a time of tremendous grief and pain for those who knew and loved him. Liam ought to have had a long life ahead of him. Instead, Bear has lost his father, Geoff and Karen have lost their son, Ruth and Nicola have lost their brother and all of Liam's friends and fans have lost someone they held very dear.
"We understand that the investigation into Liam's death was absolutely necessary, and the family recognises the work done by the Argentinian authorities. However, the family accepts the Court of Appeal's decision to drop all charges.
"The constant media attention and speculation which has accompanied the process has exacted indescribable, lasting damage on the family, particularly on Liam's son who is trying to process emotions which no seven-year-old should have to experience.
"The family has always wished for privacy to grieve and asks that they be given the space and time to do so.
"This weekend, at the Brit Awards, Liam was remembered for his phenomenal contribution to British music and for his wider, positive impact on millions of adoring fans the world over. We joined in that celebration of his life and will forever remember the joy that his music brought to the world.
"Liam, you are so loved and missed."
Topics: Brit Awards, Celebrity, Liam Payne
Jess Battison