Former X Factor star Katie Waissel calls for investigation after Liam Payne's death aged 31

Following the tragic death of singer Liam Payne, former X Factor contestant Katie Waissel has called for an investigation into Simon Cowell's record company.

The 31-year-old was found lying in a courtyard after falling from a third-floor balcony of the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Wednesday (16 October).

Alberto Crescenti, the head of the state emergency medical system, has since released a statement which revealed Payne had fallen around 40 metres and suffered 'severe injuries which were incompatible with life.'

"The alarm was raised at 5.04pm local time saying a person was lying in an internal patio at Casa Sur," he said.

"At 5.11pm, an ambulance arrived and the man was certified dead.

"Afterwards we found out he had been a famous singer. Unfortunately, the injuries he had suffered as a result of the fall proved to be fatal. There was no possibility of resuscitating him."

Now, former X Factor contestant Katie Waissel has called for a negligence and duty of care investigation into Simon Cowell's record company Syco Music.

Waissel had appeared on the ITV singing competition in 2010, the same year that saw the creation of One Direction, which shot Payne, alongside bandmates Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson, to stardom.

Since Payne's tragic death, she has released two statements in which she accused music bosses of focussing on 'profits rather than people' and cited an 'urgent need for change in the music industry.'

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), she wrote: "The tragic loss of my dear friend Liam Payne highlights the urgent need for change in the music industry.

"I’m calling for an immediate investigation into SyCo Entertainment for negligence and breach of duty of care. Artists are not commodities, and their wellbeing must be prioritised.

"We need new laws to protect the safety and mental health of all in the industry. NO MORE PROFIT OVER PEOPLE. Let Liam’s story spark the reform we desperately need."

In a further post on the social media platform she said: "My heart is completely torn to shreds right now, I am at an absolute loss for words.

"If Simon Cowell dare put a statement out on the heart wrenching, tragic loss of my dear and darling friend Liam, he would be a fool. We all know the truth… and I’ll be sure it all comes out."

My heart is completely torn to shreds right now, I am at an absolute loss for words. If Simon Cowell dare put a statement out on the heart wrenching, tragic loss of my dear and darling friend Liam, he would be a fool. We all know the truth… and I’ll be sure it all comes out.…

— Katie Waissel (@katiewaissel24) October 16, 2024

Rebecca Ferguson, who also appeared on X Factor in 2010, shared her own tribute to the late singer.

She wrote: "We both met at Euston Station and shared the taxi together to X Factor, young, innocent and unaffected by fame.

"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.

"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 [post traumatic stress disorder].

"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."