Simon Cowell, the music mogul who played a pivotal role in catapultingOne Directionto global fame, faced criticism for attending thefuneralof former band memberLiam Payne.
The private ceremony, held in Buckinghamshire, England, gathered the deceased singer’s closest friends and family to mourn the tragic loss of the 31-year-old singer.
HighlightsSimon Cowell was criticized for attending Liam Payne’s funeral.Former ‘One Direction’ members Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik were also in attendance.Since Liam’s tragic death, fans have been accusing Simon of exploiting young musicians.“Simon Cowell shouldn’t be at Liam Payne’s funeral,” said one social media user.
Liam’s untimely death occurred following a fall from a third-floor balcony at the Casa Sur hotel in Argentina.
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Image credits:Liam Payne
Thefatal incidentleft his family and fans reeling, withinvestigations into the circumstancesdelaying the return of his body to the UK.
Once back home, a heartfelt farewell and funeral was arranged for the late star.
Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik attended the funeral oftheir former band member and close friend.
Simon Cowell attended the private funeral in Buckinghamshire, which also brought together One Direction members Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik
Image credits:Jonathan Brady/PA Images via Getty Images
Image credits:Karwai Tang / WireImage via Getty Images
Despite theAmerica’s Got Talentjudge’s long-standing connection to Liam and having mentored One Direction during their meteoric rise to stardom, his presence was met with fury online.
Fans took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express their outrage, with one user bluntly stating, “Simon Cowell shouldn’t be at Liam Payne’s funeral js.”
“Why is he there?” another questioned.
“Simon Cowell shouldn’t be atLiam Payne’s funeral,” said another.
Despite his connection to Liam, theAmerica’s Got Talentjudge’s presence was met with harsh criticism online
Image credits:Simon Cowell
One labeled his attendance “audacious.”
Using harsher words, another said, “He shouldn’t be there that f—— disgusting rat.”
“Simon Cowell didn’t comfort Liam’s family,he put them through this,” another said.
One went as far as saying: “Simon Cowell at Liam Payne’s funeral. No one is holding him accountable for how little he does to safeguard the young musicians he thrusts into the industry to line his pockets.”
Fans labeled his presence “audacious” and accused him of exploiting young musicians
Simon Cowell arrives at Liam Payne’s funeral with partner Lauren Silverman
[📸: Karwai Tang/WireImage]pic.twitter.com/zFlNEHFLpk
— The Nikki Diaries (@thenikkidiaries)November 20, 2024
Simon Cowell consoles the parents of Liam Payne, Karen and Geoff Payne, after his funeralpic.twitter.com/Tbrr3fYnZB
— Pop Culture | 4k (@favspopculture)November 20, 2024
Others came to Simon’s defense, with one saying, “You have to stop bullying Simon Cowell. You know nothing about his relationship with Liam and his parents. Is disgusting to read all this hateful posts. Have some respect. #LiamPayne.”
“Why do people hate simon? wasn’t he the manager of 1d? which made liam’s career?” another asked.
“Why are you all being nasty about Simon Cowell being as afuneral, The funeral isn’t open to all , these people are invited, so your now saying Liam’s family are terrible for inviting Simon,” said another. “You people are a disgrace.”
This wasn’t the first timeSimon was criticized after Liam’s tragic death. Fans accused him of using young artists for his personal gain and prioritizing profits over their mental well-being. Last month, the#JusticeForLiamhashtag was trending on social media, with some netizens pointing fingers at Simon for contributing to Liam’s addiction.
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