How does Simon Cowell feel about blame over Liam Payne? Music mogul breaks silence on tragedy

Simon Cowell is pushing back against a painful narrative surrounding Liam Payne's death. In a candid new interview, the music mogul dismissed claims that he pressured One Direction to the breaking point, saying he refuses to "torture" himself with accusations that he was responsible for the singer's fate.

Speaking on the Rolling Stone Music Now podcast on Nov. 24, The X Factor creator was asked about his thoughts on the speculations that he put too much pressure on the boy band and didn't offer them enough support when they shot to fame. Simon Cowell answered:

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

Remembering Liam Payne, Simon Cowell confessed that it "really hit me" when the "Teardrops" hitmaker passed away in October 2024, following his fatal fall from a third-floor balcony of a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Payne's cause of death was later revealed to be polytrauma, or multiple traumatic injuries. A toxicology report also revealed that the "Strip That Down" crooner had traces of liquor, prescription antidepressants, and cocaine in his system when he passed.

READ: What did Taylor Swift write to Liam Payne in 2017? Pop icon's handwritten note to late One Direction star goes up for auction

Simon Cowell reflects on Liam Payne's passing: "I wish I could turn back the clock"

During his conversation on the Rolling Stone podcast, the music exec revealed he recently spoke with the late singer's parents, Karen and Geoff, who had told him their son had been "so proud of what he had achieved." Simon Cowell reflected:

"I wish I could turn back the clock, of course. When I spoke to him that day, I felt really good about him. I thought, 'Wow, you seem in a really good place.'"

Recalling, Simon Cowell was at Liam Payne's funeral on Nov. 20, 2024, where he reportedly turned emotional as he comforted the former One Direction star's parents.

The late singer's former bandmates were also at the memorial service. His partner, Kate Cassidy, as well as his ex, Cheryl Cole, with whom he shares their child, Bear, also attended the send-off.

Meanwhile, One Direction was formed on the reality music competition show in 2010. The members — Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and Liam Payne — signed to Simon Cowell's label, Syco Records, after the series concluded, and from there, their popularity expanded.

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Amid the news of Payne's death, One Direction members issued a joint statement, expressing their grief.

"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. We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam."

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