Osbourne was a judge on the first three seasons of The X Factorwhich launched in 2004 but left when Payne appeared on the series in 2008 at the age of 14. He returned two years later when Simon Cowell formed One Direction, joining Payne with Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan and Harry Styles. The group went on to become one of the most successful boy bands of all time before taking a break in 2016 to pursue a solo career.

Over the years, Payne has spoken about the challenges that come with sudden fame. In 2019, he told the BBC that he had to stop drinking for a year in 2017. “There were some very dark years where I was exposed to extreme danger with various mental health issues,” he said. “I just didn't know where I was going to end up.” Speaking about being part of One Direction, he added: “I was very confused about fame when it all happened; And it was difficult to learn to be a human being outside of the job.”

Mikey Graham, a member of Irish boy band Boyzone, echoed Osbourne's concerns in a post on X, formerly Twitter, following Payne's death.

“What tragic news,” Graham wrote. “I think it would be a smart move for record companies to have psychologists in his memory on their books from now on, as a duty of care for the vulnerability of their young talents.” Fame can be very damaging, especially in today's world. Lot of money. Nobody who can help. Lots of yes people. Nobody is honest.”

Payne, 31, died on Wednesday in Buenos Aires. According to a post-mortem report released yesterday, Payne died from multiple traumas, internal and external bleeding and a skull injury as a result of his fall. Initial investigations also indicate the presence of narcotics in his hotel room.

The Buenos Aires security minister confirmed Payne's death Rolling Stone On Wednesday afternoon, SAME director Alberto Crescenti told the local press that the artist fell from “about 13 or 14 meters” and that Payne suffered “serious injuries incompatible with life.”

Payne's family issued a statement on the BBC on Thursday saying they were “heartbroken” over his death.

“We are heartbroken,” the Payne family said. “Liam will live in our hearts forever and we will remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul. We support each other as a family as best we can and ask for privacy and space during this terrible time.”

One Direction and its individual members have since paid tribute to Payne, with the band saying in a statement that they were “completely devastated by the news.” “The memories we shared with him will be remembered forever,” the band said. “At the moment 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.”