Liam Payne's death: Reactions from Charlie Puth, Zedd, Paris Hilton and more
Payne was found dead on Thursday morning (Oct 17), Singapore time, outside a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The death of former One Direction singer Liam Payne on Thursday morning (Oct 17, Singapore time) has sent shockwaves throughout the world. The 31-year-old fell from the third-floor balcony of his hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Tributes for Payne have since poured in from celebrities and One Direction fans alike.
1. PARIS HILTON
American businesswoman and media personality Paris Hilton was "upset" by Payne's passing and sent "love and condolences" to his family and friends.
2. CHARLIE PUTH
In a series of Instagram Stories on Thursday, See You Again singer Charlie Puth said he was "in shock" and "so upset" – adding that Payne "was always kind to [him]".
"He was one of the first major artistes I got to work with. I cannot believe he's gone."
Puth also uploaded a snippet of an interview by Payne where the latter praised him and called him "a proper, serious musician".
3. JEDWARD
Irish musical duo Jedward – who were also contestants in the British reality television music competition The X Factor – sent their condolences and "strength to [Payne's former partner] Cheryl and his son Bear".
4. MAISA
Brazilian actress and presenter Maisa uploaded pictures of her old interview with Payne and wrote that she "will never forget the day [she] was able to interview one of the singers who was part of the soundtrack of [her] childhood and adolescence".
In a separate post, Maisa sent her condolences to "everyone who grew up listening to One Direction and cultivated so many good moments with their music".
5. BACKSTREET BOYS
The group wrote a statement which they posted on IG Story, saying, "Words cannot express the emotions we are collectively feeling right now. And it seems like the rest of the world is in the same boat.
"Our hearts go out to Liam's family, friends and Directioners around the world. Rest in peace brother."
6. ZEDD
German DJ Zedd, who collaborated with Payne on the 2017 song Get Low, uploaded a photo carousel on his Instagram page featuring pictures of the pair – with the caption being the heartbreak emoji.
On X, Zedd wrote: "I can't believe this is real. Absolutely heartbreaking."
He added in a separate post: "Life is short and fragile. You never know what people are going through...We should do our best to be kind, supportive and mindful."
7. TY DOLLA SIGN
Uploading several videos of Liam Payne, American singer Ty Dolla Sign revealed that he had just spoken to Payne two days ago and "will miss [him]".
8. E L JAMES
The author of the Fifty Shades novel series was "heartbroken to hear the tragic passing of Liam Payne".
"I can barely believe it. Sincere condolences to his family."
9. ANNE TWIST
Twist, who is the mother of Payne's One Direction groupmate, Harry Styles, posted a broken heart emoji on Instagram with the caption: "Just a boy."
10. RONNIE WOOD
The Rolling Stones member wrote on X that he was "shocked and saddened" to hear of Payne's death and that it was a "pleasure" working with him on their X Factor performance. "He will be dearly missed."
11. MAX GEORGE
The singer of The Wanted said Payne was "unbelievably supportive during one of the most difficult times in [his]life".
"I will never forget that. My thoughts are with his family, friends and fans at this horrendous time."
12. RITA ORA
British singer Rita Ora, who had collaborated with Payne on the 2018 song For You (Fifty Shades Freed), said that he was "such a joy to be around on and off stage".
"This tragic news breaks my heart. Sending all my love and prayers to his family and loved ones. Our song For You takes on a whole new meaning for me now."
Ora had reportedly cried during a performance of For You in Japan, following Payne's death.
"I can’t even sing this right now," she told the audience.
13. OLLY MURS
Singer Olly Murs, who was the runner-up in the same season of The X Factor as Jedward, said that he and Payne shared a love for David Beckham and "always had a good laugh" when they saw each other.
"Liam shared the same passions as me, the same dreams, so to see his life now end so young hits hard. I’m truly gutted and devastated for his family and of course, his son Bear [for] losing a dad."
14. DERMOT O'LEARY
British-Irish broadcaster Dermot O'Leary, who hosted The X Factor, remembered "being blown away" by Liam Payne during the latter's audition.
"He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble."
15. CAMILA CABELLO
American singer Camila Cabello, who is a known fan of One Direction, thanked Payne "for all the joy" he brought to her and her friends.
"It really made an impression on me as a young girl to meet a member of a group I loved and have him be so kind."