All the X Factor cast who have spoken out after Liam Payne’s death

Liam Payne tragically died on Wednesday 16th October in Buenos Aires after falling from a third-floor balcony. The police found medicines in his room and alcohol near his body. Now, various The X Factor cast members are speaking out about the impact the music industry can have on young stars.

Sharon Osbourne

Image via ITV

Sharon Osbourne was a judge on most seasons of The X Factor. She appeared as an assistant judge in the season that One Direction formed in. Her post on Instagram is critical of the way the music industry treats child stars.

She wrote, “Liam, my heart aches. 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.”

Katie Waissel

Image via ITV

Katie Waissel is a singer-songwriter who competed in  The X Factor in 2010 – the same series in which One Direction formed. In response to Liam Payne’s death, she has written several posts on X criticising Simon Cowell and calling out “the urgent need for change in the music industry”.

The first post expressed frustration with Simon Cowell. She wrote, “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

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Her next post reflected on her time with Liam Payne on The X Factor. She also criticised the music industry for focusing on “profits rather than the people”, and seemingly criticised Simon Cowell again.

She wrote, “(Liam Payne’s) 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. We need only look at Simon Cowell’s recent interview with Steven Bartlett, where he admits his greatest regret was not owning the band’s name. The real regret should be the failure to prioritize the emotional and physical welfare of the artists who put their trust in these institutions. Contracts, whether they are for television shows or record deals, come with a legal and moral duty of care that must be upheld.”

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

Her most recent X post calls for an investigation into Simon Cowell’s company SyCo Entertainment.

She wrote on X: “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 well-being 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.”

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…

— Katie Waissel (@katiewaissel24) October 17, 2024

Katie Waissel has been very critical of The X Factor and Simon Cowell in the past. She quit the music industry to become a lawyer.

Rebecca Ferguson

Image via ITV

Rebecca Ferguson (the singer, not the actress) came second in One Direction’s season of The X Factor.

She wrote that she believes Liam Payne would still be alive if he hadn’t gone on the X Factor and become famous.

pic.twitter.com/CgbyDdczsw

— Rebecca Ferguson MBE (@RebeccaFMusic) October 17, 2024

The post reads, “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.

“Many of us are devastated and reflective today as it has finally taken it’s first victim.

“Rest in Peace, Liam, I hope you find peace on the other side and love to your mum and family x”

The X Factor

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

The old X account for The X Factor posted a tribute to Liam Payne on Thursday 17th October.

It reads: “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.”

Simon Cowell hasn’t released an official statement yet after Liam Payne’s death. He postponed a round of Britain’s Got Talent auditions which were meant to be filmed in Blackpool on Thursday 17th October. He’s stepped back from Britain’s Got Talent for a while. When the auditions continue on Saturday 19th October, Bruno Tonioli from Strictly will be a guest judge instead.

Liam Payne’s One Direction bandmates have all released statements paying their respects.

Simon Cowell’s team has been approached for comment.

Related articles recommended by this writer:

• ‘Our brother’: All the tributes from Liam Payne’s One Direction band members so far
• Everything Liam Payne’s ‘heartbroken’ family members have said after his tragic death
• Here’s the full timeline of everything we know about Liam Payne’s tragic death so far

Feautre images via ITV