Simon Cowell has opened up about Liam Payne’s death, defending himself against criticisms over his part in the One Direction star’s formative years after launching him to fame on The X Factor.

Payne, who died in October 2024 after falling from the balcony of a Buenos Aires hotel while under the influence of drugs, first found fame at the age of 16 on the singing show.

He originally auditioned in 2008 but was told by Cowell, 66, it was not his time, and he should return in a few years, which he did in 2010.

Over a year since his death, Cowell has defended himself against criticisms from former X Factor stars and fans of Payne who believe the music mogul wronged the bandmates.

‘I don’t read any of this stuff because if I did, you would just torture yourself,’ Cowell told the Rolling Ston

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