TV producer Simon Cowell, known for his work on the American series American Idol, recently addressed the tragic death of One Direction member Liam Payne.
Appearing on the Rolling Stone Music Now podcast on August 26, Cowell responded to accusations attempting to link him to Paynes passing, stating that he avoids reading such claims and calling the idea that he should be responsible for someones life a decade after signing a contract absurd.
Cowell, who launched One Direction on the talent show The X Factor, became a target for certain fans following Paynes fatal fall from a hotel balcony in Argentina last year, with toxicology reports later confirming a significant presence of drugs in his system.
Reflecting on their last meeting a year before the incident, Cowell said he had urged Payne not to let music dominate his life and to find other passions, recalling that Payne had seemed to be in a good place at the time and expressing deep regret over the outcome.
After Paynes death, Cowell released a heartfelt message mourning the loss and attended the singers funeral in the UK last November, offering emotional support to Paynes parents.
