Liam Payne tributes: Harry Styles’ mother and music icons respond to One Direction star’s shock death

A wide range of stars from across the world are paying tribute to Liam Payne after the shock death of the former One Direction star at the age of 31.

Payne fell to his death from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on 16 October.

Television network MTV was among the first to pay its respects, saying in a statement: “We’re deeply saddened to learn of Liam Payne’s tragic passing today. During this difficult time, our hearts remain with his family, loved ones, and fans.”

Follow live updates and tributes following the death of Liam Payne here.

Ant Middleton said he “formed a brotherhood” with Payne after they filmed a documentary together in 2019. The ex-Special Forces soldier described the former One Direction singer as “a good friend of mine” after the pair journeyed through Namibia for the programme Ant Middleton & Liam Payne: Straight Talking.

Middleton said during a live interview on Australia’s The Morning Show that it was “the first time hearing” of Payne’s death at the age of 31 after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires.

“After we filmed Straight Talking With Ant Middleton, he was my first celebrity guest and we formed a brotherhood,” Middleton told hosts Kylie Gillies and Larry Emdur.

“He was like a younger brother to me. He would confide in me, I’d go around and see him.”

They were followed by socialite and singer Paris Hilton, who wrote on X: “So upsetting to hear the news of @LiamPayne passing. Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. RIP my friend.”

Jedward, the Irish pop duo, who, like One Direction, rose to fame on The X Factor wrote: “RIP Liam Payne. condolences to friends and family.”

They added a message to his former partner Cheryl Cole, saying: “Sending strength to Cheryl and his son Bear and all the One direction Family.”

The Public Enemy rapper Flavor Flav also shared his thoughts on social media, writing: “RIP to Liam Payne,,, much too young.”

Rylan, another former X Factor contestant, wrote: “Extremely sad news. V tragic and so young. RIP Liam x”

US singer-songwriter Charlie Puth paid tribute to Payne with an uncaptioned picture of the pair together. On his Instagram stories, he wrote: “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 he is gone.”

He also added a video of himself with Payne, writing: “I'm so upset right now, may he rest in peace.”

Anne Twist, Harry Styles’ mother, shared a photo of a broken heart emoji on her Instagram with a caption that said: “Just a boy...”

Boyzone singer Mikey Graham wrote on X: “Rip Liam Payne. Such tragic news. I think it would be a wise move for record companies to have psychologists on their books from now on in his memory as a duty of care for the vulnerability of their young talent. Fame can be very damaging especially in today’s world. Lots of money. Nobody to help. Lots of yes people. Nobody honest.”

On Instagram, X Factor host Dermot O’Leary posted a black-and-white photograph of himself with Payne during the show. “The worst news. I remember him as a 14-year-old turning up to audition on The X Factor, and blowing us away singing Sinatra. He just loved to sing,” wrote O’Leary. “He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble. Sending love and prayers to his family.”

Lou Teasdale, who used to be One Direction’s hairdresser, posted on X: “Sending you all so much love.”

Dan Richards, One Direction’s guitarist, posted a story on his Instagram, writing: “This all feels so surreal...Still trying to wrap my head around it all. My thoughts go out to Liams family at this time."

The Wanted’s lead singer Max George posted a tribute on X, writing: “Devastated. Liam was an unbelievably supportive during one of the most difficult times in my life. I will never forget that. My thoughts are with his family, friends and fans at this horrendous time. Rest in peace Liam.”

Music producer Zedd, who worked with Payne on the song “Get Low”, wrote: “RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real... absolutely heartbreaking.”

Singer Corbyn Besson shared a picture of the band and wrote: “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.”

Fifty Shades of Grey author E L James said: “I am heartbroken to hear of the tragic passing of Liam Payne. I can barely believe it. Sincere condolences to his family.”

The Brit Awards shared a picture of Payne and wrote: “We’re incredibly sad to learn of the tragic passing of Liam Payne. Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family at this time.”

Music streaming platforms Spotify and Amazon Music also shared separate condolence messages on social media.

Broadcaster Piers Morgan wrote on X: “Good grief.. what a shocking tragedy.”