Trigger warning: This article mentions death
Liam Payne, 31, tragically died on Wednesday, October 16 after reportedly falling from his hotel room balcony from the third floor. As the Hollywood industry mourns the young artist’s passing, old video clips of Payne have resurfaced on the Internet, including a video clip in which Payne claimed that the band One Direction was formed around him. Had fallen. The X-Factor UK previously released footage of Payne’s audition video with Simon Cowell on One Direction’s 12th anniversary.
Speaking about the clip during his appearance on Logan Paul’s podcast, Payne described his conversation with Cowell, where he mentioned that he may have been an important reason behind the formation of the popular boy band.
“From what I’ve heard, one of the reasons I made One Direction was because Simon promised me, ‘In two years, I’ll do this for you,'” the For You singer elaborated to the podcast host. ,
“So they started with my face and then worked on the rest… I was an honorary member of One Direction. They told me the story in their own home,” he revealed.
Also read: Who is Liam Payne survived by? Everything we know about the death of the former One Direction star
Liam Payne was denounced on the internet by fans of the band and industry celebrities, shortly after the musician’s statements on Logan Paul’s show. Lizzo commented on the Payne video on TikTok, writing, “I don’t know who lied to that poor boy, but it ain’t the guy.”
As for the video shared on The X Factor page, it shows the judges deciding which contestants would make a good band together. Simon Cowell was joined by Nicole Scherzinger as the pair lined up Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles, Liam Payne and Zayn Malik. Outside of the group, the judges felt that Payne’s performance stood out from the rest and considered him for a leadership role in the band.
Scherzinger is heard telling Cowell, “If he’s extraordinary, he can be the leader.”
Meanwhile, the members of One Direction went their separate ways to pursue solo careers in 2016, with Zayn Malik exiting the boy band in 2015.
Liam Payne is survived by his parents, sisters and his 7-year-old son Bear.
Also read: ‘You will always be missed’: Families of former One Direction bandmates mourn tragic loss of Liam Payne