The singer had visited the Argentine capital to show his support for former bandmate Niall Horan, who had performed in the South American city.

Police in Buenos Aires claim they initially went to the hotel where Payne was staying in response to reports “of an aggressive male who may have been under the influence of drugs and alcohol.”

Alberto Crescenti, director of emergency services, spoke to local media and said the singer suffered “serious injuries” but declined to answer questions about the circumstances of Payne's fall from the balcony.

Fans around the world have expressed their sorrow through tributes on social media, and now X Factor finalist Katie Waissel has followed suit.

But in a cryptic turn of events, Waissel took the opportunity to target X Factor boss and music mogul Cowell.

Cowell, 65, has yet to publicly comment on Payne's death after serving as the band's boss following their time on X Factor.

Waissel said on X: “My heart is completely in pieces right now, I'm absolutely at a loss for words.”

“If Simon Cowell dared to make a statement on the heartbreaking, tragic loss of my beloved friend Liam, he would be a fool.

My heart is completely in pieces right now, I'm absolutely at a loss for words. If Simon Cowell dared to comment on the heartbreaking, tragic loss of my beloved friend Liam, he would be a fool. We all know the truth… and I will be sure it all comes out.…

— Katie Waissel (@katiewaissel24) October 16, 2024

“We all know the truth… and I will make sure it all comes to light. #justiceforliam,” she explained cryptically.

GB News has contacted Cowell's representatives for comment.

Waissel's bitter relationship with Cowell and Syco Records stems from the fallout from her time on the show.

The singer retrained as a lawyer in 2023 to try to sue Syco for alleged breach of duty of care.

Waissel claimed that she suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder following her time on the former ITV Saturday Night Show.

During her time on the show, she was regularly criticized by the public and was called the series' “most hated” contestant.

Speaking to the Sunday Times in 2023, she said: “There are so many of us who are so trapped and it's not fair, there was a huge power imbalance.”

“I just wanted to be able to understand (the contracts) and protect people from manipulation in the future.”

Payne starred alongside Waissel in the 2010 series of X Factor, where he formed the band One Direction alongside Horan, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik.

After their successful appearance on the show, where they came third behind Rebecca Ferguson and series winner Matt Cardle, the band also signed with Syco Records.