Simon Cowell is addressing the criticism some have leveled at him following the tragic death of former One Direction member Liam Payne. Payne, who passed away in October 2024 at age 31, rose to fame after signing with Cowell’s Syco Records following the band’s formation on The X Factor in 2010.

Cowell on Blame: “You Can’t Do That”

In a recent interview with Rolling Stone Music Now podcast, the 66-year-old music mogul responded to claims that he should bear responsibility for Payne’s death.

“I don’t read any of this stuff because if I did, you would just torture yourself,” Cowell said. “The idea that you are essentially responsible for somebody’s life, 10 years after you’ve signed someone? You can’t do that.”

Cowell, the creator of The X Factor, emphasized that while the band’s rise to global fame came with immense pressure, hindsight should not be used to assign blame.

Remembering Liam Payne

Payne’s former bandmate Louis Tomlinson previously reflected on the pressures of One Direction, noting that while the band worked hard and faced demanding schedules, the group was well-supported by adults around them.

“Look, in any situation similar to this, hindsight is a really powerful thing,” Tomlinson told The Independent. “I don’t blame anyone for my experience in One Direction. Was it really hard work? Yes. Did we not have enough days off? Yes.”

Cowell shared that Payne’s death “really hit me,” occurring just a year after they last saw each other. He described his ongoing reflection on the impact of fame and music on Payne’s life:

“I remember saying, ‘Music is not everything. Don’t let it run your life anymore. Find something else that you are passionate about,’” Cowell recalled. “You ask yourself that question: ‘Could I have done anything more? What would’ve happened to Liam if he hadn’t been in the band?’”

Speaking with Payne’s Family

Cowell has maintained contact with Payne’s parents, Geoff and Karen, who reassured him that their son was proud of his accomplishments.

“I wish I could turn back the clock, of course. When I spoke to him that day, I felt really good about him,” Cowell said. “I thought, ‘Wow, you seem in a really good place.’”

Details Surrounding Liam Payne’s Death

Liam Payne tragically died at age 31 after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina. A toxicology report later revealed traces of alcohol, cocaine, and prescription antidepressants in his system.

Tomlinson described the loss as something he “will never really accept,” highlighting Payne’s generosity and humor. “Liam would always entertain me. If I was bored and wanted to have a laugh, he would play that role… Even if he might have been struggling, he put himself second and still turned up. Those moments are really a testament to the truth of who he was as a person.”

Reflecting on Fame and Legacy

Cowell’s response underscores the lasting complexity of managing young artists in the music industry. While he acknowledges the pressures inherent in fame, he maintains that accountability has limits, particularly a decade after signing artists to record deals.

As fans continue to mourn Payne’s untimely passing, his legacy as part of One Direction and his contributions to music and culture remain deeply cherished by colleagues, family, and millions of fans worldwide.