Exploring the Alleged Feud Between Liam Payne and Simon Cowell: Fans Caution X Factor Judge Against Paying Tribute to One Direction Star Following His Death

Tragedy struck on October 16, 2024, when former One Direction star Liam Payne fell from a third-floor balcony to the courtyard of the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires. In the aftermath of this devastating news, fans began to reflect on a strained relationship between Payne and X Factor judge Simon Cowell. This discord came to light in 2022 during an appearance on Logan Paul’s podcast, where Payne made comments regarding both the band and Cowell.

On the podcast, Liam claimed that Cowell had a pivotal role in the formation of the boy band, asserting that he viewed himself as an honorary member of One Direction. However, a subsequent video released by X Factor UK depicted Nicole Scherzinger and Simon selecting the band members from various photos, showcasing a different perspective on the group’s inception.

The footage illustrated that Niall Horan was the first to be picked, while Simon Cowell appeared unsure about including Liam in the band. Despite this skepticism, Scherzinger advocated for Payne’s participation, suggesting he could emerge as a potential leader. While Simon acknowledged Liam’s audition favorably, he still seemed hesitant to include him.

Notably, Liam faced rejection during his initial audition for X Factor, primarily due to Cowell’s belief that he was not yet prepared for the spotlight. In light of these past events and amid the sorrow of Liam’s passing, many fans took to social media expressing their discomfort about Simon Cowell potentially paying tribute to the singer. A user tweeted on X:

“I’m dead serious when I say I don’t want to hear a single word from Simon Cowell.”

“I’m honestly afraid of what Simon Cowell will say about Liam, especially if it was a suicide,”commented another user.

“I’m not looking forward to hearing Cheryl Cole and Simon Cowell’s comments in the tabloids this weekend,”added another Twitter user.

Additionally, some users alleged that Cowell had a reputation for making the band members work excessively hard.

“Five albums in five years? Simon Cowell was working those boys harder than a fast fashion factory,”one netizen tweeted.

“Simon Cowell, there’s a very special place in hell for you,”wrote another user.

Simon Cowell’s Previous Criticism of Liam Payne

In 2016, during a press conference for America’s Got Talent, Simon Cowell commended the loyalty of most One Direction members, singling out Liam Payne for criticism. This came shortly after Liam had embarked on a solo career with Capitol Records, as mentioned by femalefirst.co.uk.

Cowell remarked:

“We keep in touch with all of them. The fantastic aspect about these boys—well, most of them—is their incredible loyalty, which you don’t always expect. Niall, Harry, and Louis are amazing.”

He even directed a comment at Liam, stating:

“He has a tendency to think he’s superior to everyone else.”

Over the years, Cowell’s comments about the group have seemingly strained his connections with its members. In June 2024, both Louis Tomlinson and Niall Horan reportedly unfollowed Cowell on social media following a podcast appearance where he expressed regrets about not retaining the band’s name, even going as far as to offer to buy it back.

For those unfamiliar with the history, One Direction was formed in 2010 during the talent competition The X Factor, where Simon, Nicole Scherzinger, and Louis Walsh brought the boys together. In 2015, Zayn Malik made headlines as the first member to depart, followed in January 2016 by the rest of the group announcing an indefinite hiatus. While they have mentioned possible reunions over the years, none have materialized as of yet.

In the wake of Liam’s untimely passing, fans have been expressing their heartfelt condolences and tributes across the internet.

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