Liam Payne receives outpouring of tributes from celebrity friends

MANILA, Philippines – Several celebrities mourned the death of One Direction member and solo artist Liam Payne, who died on Wednesday, October 16. He was 31.

Max George from The Wanted

In an Instagram post, The Wanted lead singer Max George shared how his friendship with Payne started, beginning when the latter’s band was on X Factor. He also shared that Payne had extended his support to him when Tom Parker, George’s The Wanted bandmate, passed away from cancer.

“Liam was absolutely wonderful in terms of support when Tom fell ill, performing at the Royal Albert Hall with us for Stand Up to Cancer. He supported me personally after Tom passed. I will never forget that,” George wrote.

Backstreet Boys

American boy band Backstreet Boys also penned a message in an Instagram story about Payne’s death – admitting that they didn’t have the words to express the surge of emotions they’re feeling.

“Our hearts go out to Liam’s family, friends, and directioners around the world. Rest in peace brother,” the band wrote.

Ty Dolla $ign

American Singer-songwriter Ty Dolla $ign shared that he had just spoken to Payne two days before his death, adding that he’d miss the “Teardrops” singer. He also posted a photo of himself with Payne in another Instagram story.

Charlie Puth

In his Instagram story, singer Charlie Puth expressed disbelief over Payne’s passing.

“I am in shock right now. Liam was always so kind to me. He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I [cannot] believe he is gone,” he wrote.

He also shared a photo of himself with Payne.

Paris Hilton

On X, American model and actress Paris Hilton also wrote a message to Payne.

“So upsetting to hear the news of [Liam Payne] passing. Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. RIP my friend,” Hilton wrote.

So upsetting to hear the news of @LiamPayne passing???? Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. ???? RIP my friend????

— Paris Hilton (@ParisHilton) October 16, 2024

Corbyn Besson

Corbyn Besson — a solo artist and member of the American boy band Why Don’t We — said that the news of Payne’s death left him “speechless” as he had always looked up to One Direction.

“You really never know when it’s your time to go. Remind your friends/family that you love them today and every day,” he added. 

damn this liam payne news got me speechless… looked up to 1D so much during the wdw days. you really never know when it’s your time to go. remind your friends/family that you love them today and every day pic.twitter.com/rArPVaeVhu

— corbyn (@corbynbesson) October 16, 2024

Carlie Lightening

Filmmaker and photographer Carlie Lightening also uploaded a photo of Payne and his One Direction bandmate Louis Tomlinson on Instagram, saying they met a few times while shooting the 2023 documentary Louis Tomlinson: All of Those Voices.

Liam Payne began his music career as a member of the hit boy band One Direction, which was formed in 2010 through X Factor UK. The band debuted as a five-member group, consisting of Payne, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik — with the latter announcing his exit in 2015.

After releasing five albums, One Direction announced they were “going on separate ways” in 2016 after the release of their final album, Made in the A.M.

Payne launched his solo career in 2017 with the single “Strip That Down.” In 2019, he dropped his first album, LP1. His latest release is the single “Teardrop,” which came out in March 2024. – with reports from Rev Dela Cruz/Rappler.com

Rev Dela Cruz is a Rappler intern studying AB Journalism at the University of Santo Tomas.