Simon Cowell responds to Liam Payne's death as he says he 'feels empty'
Simon Cowell said he "feels empty" as he responded to the news of former One Direction star Liam Payne's death. Liam, 31, died after falling from the third floor of a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires on Wednesday, October 16.
Local police said the singer fell from the third floor into the courtyard of the Casa Sur Hotel in the Palermo neighbourhood of Argentina’s capital before medics confirmed his death.
Simon Cowell, who put One Direction together on X Factor and later signed them to his label, posted a tribute on Instagram to the 31-year-old singer.
In an Instagram post, Cowell, wrote: "You never really know how you feel about someone until a moment like this happens. Liam, I am devastated. Heartbroken. And I feel empty. And I want you to know how much love and respect and I have for you. Every tear I have shed is a memory for you."
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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. 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."
He added: "I had to tell you when you were 14 that this wasn't your time. And we both made a promise that we would meet again. A lot of people would have given up. You didn't.
"You came back and within months the whole won knew the whole world knew Liam. And you never forgot the fans. I watched you spending so much time with people who had wanted to meet you. You really cared.
"You came to see me last year. Not for a meeting. Just to sit and talk. And we reminisced about all of the fun times we had together. And how proud you were to be a Dad.
"After you left, I was reminded that you were still the sweet, kind boy I met all of those years ago. I have met your son, Bear. He has your smile and that twinkle in his eyes you have. And he will be so proud of everything you achieved. And how you achieved it.
"I always thought of the 5 of you in the band as brothers. And reading their messages today I believe you were. And now Liam, I can see the effect you had on so many people.
"Because you left us too soon. Rest in peace my friend. And I am sending my love, thoughts and prayers to your family. Simon X"
Liam's former One Direction bandmates Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles, Zayn Malik and Niall Horan issued a joint statement on Thursday. In the statement, signed "Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry", the four stars said: "We're completely devastated by the news of Liam's passing.
"In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly.
"The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us."
The musician's family also issued a statement today following his death. They said in a statement issued by his spokeswoman: “We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul.
“We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time.”