Simon Cowell,The X Factorjudge who played a vital role inOne Direction’s rise into the spotlight, has issued a statement followingLiam Payne’s death.
After the pop star fell three stories from a hotel balcony on October 16, tributes poured in from notable figures, including the four other band members.
Simon’s statement came two days later, saying, “You never really know how you feel about someone until a moment like this happens.”
HighlightsSimon Cowell issues a heartfelt statement after Liam Payne’s tragic death.Fans criticize Simon Cowell for his past tensions with Liam Payne.Cowell recalls meeting a young Liam at age 14 on The X Factor.
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Simon Cowell has released a heartbreaking statement regarding Liam Payne’s passing
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“This is so difficult to put in words right now. I went outside today, and I thought about so many times we had together,” he continued. “I wanted to let you know what I would always say to the thousands of people who would always ask me. What is Liam like?
“And I would tell them you were kind, funny, sweet, thoughtful, talented, humble, focused. And how much you loved music. And how much love you genuinely had for the fans.”
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Simon went on to describe the first time they met onThe X Factorwhen Liam was 14, saying that although it “wasn’t [his] time,” they would meet again.
“A lot of people would have given up. You didn’t. You came back and within months the whole world knew Liam. And you never forgot the fans,” he wrote. “I watched you spending so much time with people who had wanted to meet you. You really cared.”
Fans did not take kindly to the tribute, given the previous tension between Simon and Liam
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“Says the ones that took his contract away!!!” wrote one person.
“God please take the boys, fans and his family’s pain, double it and give it to Simon Cowell,” said another.
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“Shame on him. It’s all his fault,” wrote one user.
Someone said, “He truly has no right to speak on this. He never saw the boys as people, he saw them as profit and he tore them apart!! The audacity of him to speak on Liam’s name after the way he treated them is insane!!”
Simon also postponed auditions forBritain’s Got Talentafter the singer’s death
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Currently a judge on the reality show, Simon decided to cancel auditions in honor of the late pop star.
“Due to the tragic passing of Liam Payne, we have decided to postpone theBritain’s Got Talentauditions,” a spokesperson for producer Fremantle U.K. toldVariety.
“Our thoughts are with Liam’s friends, family and all who loved him.”
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Fans showed little sympathy for the reality show judge, remembering the past issues he had with Liam Payne
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