Stars, Friends & Family Members Who Have Reacted to Liam Payne's Death

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One Direction posted on Instagram, "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."

Band member Louis Tomlinson was the first band member of One Direction to release a statement. He wrote a heartbreaking message as he recounted meeting Liam, them being like brothers, and being an uncle to Bear:

"I want you to know that if Bear ever needs me I will be the Uncle he needs in life and tell him stories of how amazing his dad was. I wiah I got chance to stay goodbye and tell you one more time how much I loved you."

Zayn Malik was the second member to release a personal statement, posting a throwback photo of the two of them as well as a message that included the words, "I lost a brother when you left us and can't explain to you what I'd give to just give you a hug one last time and say goodbye to you properly and tell you I loved you and respected you dearly."

Harry Styles was the third member of One Direction to release a statement. He posted a photo of Liam on stage from the band's days. In his message, he wrote, "The years we spent together will forever remain among the most cherished years of my life. I will miss him always, my lovely friend."

Niall Horan was the last of the One Direction members to post a statement. He posted a throwback photo from the first year of the band and talked about Payne's infectious energy. He also shared about their last encounter as Payne had come to Horan's show in Argentina: "I feel so fortunatethat I got to see him recently. I sadly didn't know that after saying goodbye and hugging him that evening, I would be saying goodbye forever. It's heartbreaking."

Simon Cowell, who was instrumental in forming One Direction, released a statement about his grief and thoughts of Liam. He not only talked about his positive traits, but even their times after the One Direction era: "You came to see me last year. Not for a meeting [...] And we reminisced about all of the fun times we had together. And how proud you were to be a Dad. After you leftm 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."

Nicole Scherzinger, an X-Factor judge who helped select the One Direction boys, posted a behind-the-scenes photo from Netflix show Building the Band alongside Payne and cohost Kelly Rowland. Scherzinger wrote, "It was such a blessing to get to work with you recently. We shared the same love and passion for music and I will forever remember the meaningful and joyful conversations we had. It’s been so hard to process that you’re no longer here, but I am grateful to have known your kind heart, sweet soul and character." Per Andrew Lloyd Webber, Scherzinger was "still texting him" the day Payne died.

Naomi Campbell, who allegedly dated Liam Payne for roughly four months four years ago before the pair split, left a comment on Nicole Scherzinger's tribute post with two dove emojis, as well as a broken heart and praying hands emoji: "🕊️💔🕊️🙏🏾."

Ruth Gibbins remembered her brother on Instagram, saying, "I don't believe this is happening." In a note addressed to him, she added, "My brain is struggling to catch up with what's happening and I don't understand where you've gone," recalling his ability to always make her laugh and praising his talent. "I don't feel this world was good enough or kind enough to you," she added, saying he "had to really try hard to overcome all that was being aimed at you." She promised to take care of his son, Bear, "and he will always know how incredible his Dad is and how much you loved him."

Liam Payne's sister, Nicola Payne, posted her thoughts on Instagram, sharing, "When I saw the news pop up on my phone that you had left us I went cold, I wanted so much for this to be untrue. I have spent days hoping that it was a mistake and somebody got it wrong." She also talked about his work ethic, writing, "You led your life with a motto of why bother doing something unless you are brilliant at it, and Liam you were certainly brilliant at everything you did!"

Cousin Ross Harris posted a letter via Instagram addressing Payne. He reflected on their childhood and adulthood memories such as "Late night songwriting sessions, making plans to tour and travel, and practicing stupid impressions." He ended his post with, "Regardless of what you were going through, and the demons you were fighting, you always wanted to help others and wanted everyone to ‘win together’. Hopefully the world will remember this above everything else. Not everyone got to know the boy behind the popstar, outside of stadiums and studios, but I count myself very lucky that I did."

Liam Payne's girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, posted on her Instagram story to respond to fans and media about her reaction to her boyfriend's passing. Her statement included "...I have been at a complete loss. Nothing about the past few days have felt real. [...] Liam, my angel. You are everything. I want you to know I loved you unconditionally and completely. I will continue to love you for the rest of my life. I love you Liam."

Cheryl Cole, the mother of Liam Payne's son, Bear, shared a post about her grief and sadness for Bear growing up without a father. Cole posted a black and white photo of the Payne and his son as a newborn with the words, "Liam was not only a pop star and celebrity, he was a son, a brother, an uncle, a dear friend, and a father to our 7 year old son. A son that now has to face the reality of never seeing his father again."

Josh Devine, the former drummer of One Direction, posted a message to Liam Payne and his reflection on their relationship. He continually mentioned the impact Payne had on both his life and career: "No matter the situation, you always made me feel equal and always had my back. Thank you for being my friend, and thank you for being the best boss I could ever have had. I owe my career to you, Louis, Niall, Harry and Zayn. I wouldn’t be where I am in life right now if it wasn’t for you guys. You changed my life for the better and I will forever be grateful."

Sandy Beales, One Direction's former bass player, posted an old stage photo. He talked about Payne and his relationship as the band grew more popular: "It felt like we all grew up together on the road, even when theatres turned in to stadiums you and the lads would still have time for everyone in the crew and we felt the love on that wild, crazy, life changing ride. It’s hard to think that there won’t be a chance to reminisce on those crazy times. Huge love and strength to Liam’s family and the 1D boys at this horrific time. We are all thinking of you! Thank you Payno"

Danielle Peazer, who dated Payne for 2 years, wrote, "This still doesn't feel real. Despite being aware of your struggles over the years, I hoped and prayed that this day would never come." She added, I wish you knew that you were always more than enough for this world without having to search for a role to play just to please others" -- before sharing she got "a message from you a couple of weeks ago expressing your happiness for the life I found" with her partner and daughter, calling it "something I'll cherish forever." She concluded, "I'm sorry your story didn't end differently, and I'm sorry you didn't ever get to share more of your magic with the world."

5 Seconds of Summer posted a tribute to Liam Payne, reminiscing on being their opening act for the Where We Are tour. Their tribute read, "We love you, Liam, and we will never forget the influence you had on our lives. You truly believed in us and for that we are forever grateful. We don't know if we thanked you enough [...] There was such a bright light in you, we always saw that. We are so devestated that this world put tht light out. We hope you'll always be singing up there."

5 Seconds of Summer drummer Ashton Irwin tweeted in addition to the band's statement. He wrote, "Been thinking on my times with Liam and how kind he was to me, wether backstage, passing by at an airport, he always made the time, I feel super confused by his passing and I’m finding it so hard to sum up the way it feels. [...] I’ve been afraid to share my feelings publicly cause it terrifies me, but all I’m trying to say is at the end of the day, I am really really thankful for those early days touring with him and seeing the world the way we did was a dream come true."

Jon Shone, One Direction's former pianist gave his respects to Liam Payne on his Instagram. Under a photo that contained nothing but a black heart, Shone wrote a message that included, "Thank you for the wonderful memories of being in this band with you, for the nights I got to play your music, to the nights we sat with a beer talking about how crazy the whole thing was. My heart goes out to the whole family, the wider 1D family, and everyone who knew Liam. I hope your mind is now calm and that you can sing the songs you love in peace and serenity in the paradise of heaven."

Little Mix's Perrie Edwards shared her thoughts on Liam Payne's passing on the "Happy Place" podcast. Like One Direction, Little Mix was also on X-Fact, while she dated and was engaged to Zayn Malik. Edwards recalls texting all her band mates upon seeing the headlines and telling the podcasts host, "It's so heartbreaking and my heart honestly hurts for his family, his friends, Cheryl and his little boy. It's just absolutely devastating. I can't even imagine how they must be feeling right now. I didn't think it was real when I read it. It's honestly so sad, it made my body feel so weird when I saw the headline."

Eleanor Calder, ex-girlfriend of Louis Tomlinson, shared on Instagram how her and Payne's relationship was still special even after the breakup with his bandmate. He was a "huge support" for her and shared the example. "When I first moved into my flat, he drew paintings of my dogs and I to put on the walls - he said he hoped it would help with making it feel like home..one of the many examples of his kindness and creativity."

Charlie Puth took to Instagram to share his grief over Payne's passing. He posted photos and videos of interviews where the two referenced each other. He wrote on his Instagram story, "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 can not believe that he is gone..."

Rita Ora who has collaborated with Liam Payne in the pastposted multiple photos of the two of them over the years. Ora talked about his kindness and working on their song, "For You." The singer later chocked up on stage while performing the song.

Her Instagram post read, "I’m devastated 💔 He had the kindest soul, I will never forget. I loved working with him so much - he was just such a joy to be around on and off stage. This tragic news breaks my heart. Sending all my love and prayers to his family and loved ones. Our song For You takes on a whole new meaning for me now. R.I.P 🕊️"

Singer Olly Murs shared his sadness on Instagram. He shared about his encounters with Liam, and how they were always heartfelt even the times they were short. The singers shared commonalities including "The X Factor" and being on tour together.
Murs's captioned included, "This news is devastating, am lost for words 😣 we always had a good laugh when we saw each other, sometimes the catch ups were only short and sweet but when we did it was mostly about how annoyingly good his hair always looked, or our love for Becks, the old XF days and the tour we shared together"

Halsey took to Tumblr to share a heartfelt post about Liam. The singer had a special connection with him not only as a One Direction fan, but also purchasing his old home.
She wrote, "i loved one direction with an all-consuming force when i was younger. it hurts deeply to mourn someone you were a massive fan of as a teenager, and became a peer of as an adult [...] a few years ago i purchased a home that Liam previously owned. there were rumors the house was haunted. He assured me it was not, and i believed him. because i know the ghosts that haunt us aren't tethered to buildings...."

Ed Sheeran shared a black and white photo of Liam Payne to his Instagram a day after the news was announced. His caption read, "At a loss for words. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones, every memory I have with him is a great one, just such a heartbreaking situation. Be kind."

Music producer and DJ Steve Aoki posted four photos of him and Liam on Twitter. Along with the photos, he wrote "I’ll miss u dear friend. It’s so difficult to write this out. Doesn’t make sense, I can’t believe you’re gone brother. We had so many amazing memories together on and off the stage. A true legend and a kinder soul with a heart of gold. Miss u my brother."

Quavo, who partnered with Liam Payne on his hit single "Strip That Down," reposted the news of Payne's passing on his Instagam story. He wrote "Rest in Paradise" with prayer hands.

Justin Bieber reposted on his Instagram story a reel from a Liam Payne fan account that showcased different memorials around the world. The memorials included notes, flowers and pictures. Bieber did not add any additional commentary besides a red broken heart emoji.

Ty Dolla $ign shared on his Instagram story a photo of him and Payne. He also reposted a video from @liampayneHQ with the caption, "Just talked to you 2 days ago my guy. Ima miss u frfr sucio."

Liam Payne and Winnie Harlow have been seen together at award shows as co-presenters and often hung out in the same crowd at industry events. The model posted an Instagram story of the two of them with the words, "kind angel. I pray peace for your kind soul."

The following slide shared a message that read, "Life is short. We are but a blip in existence. But in this blip I'm here with you. And for that gift of being here with you, to show my gratitude; I love you. Nothing you feel is yours alone. From love to fear, we are here. Together. I love you."

Fellow "X-Factor" contestant Cher Lloyd shared a heartfelt message on Instagram as well as a throwback picture of the two of them. She recounted the memories, and her post caption read as, "From being on the show together, visiting each others homes while filming, going on tour together and watching you achieve your dreams. I’ll cherish the memories made and the laughs we had. My thoughts are with your family and friends, with everyone who loves you. My heart is breaking for your Son Bear. Rest in peace Liam."

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Stars, Friends & Family Members Who Have Reacted to Liam Payne's Death

Justin Bieber reposted on his Instagram story a reel from a Liam Payne fan account that showcased different memorials around the world. The memorials included notes, flowers and pictures. Bieber did not add any addition... READ MORE

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