Katie Waissel is speaking out in response to Simon Cowell ’s recent comments about Liam Payne and the early days of One Direction .

The former X Factor contestant—who competed on the same season of the reality competition series as the members of the boy band—released a lengthy statement on X/Twitter after Simon reflected on Liam ’s passing and his time overseeing the group in a new interview with Rolling Stone .

While the 66-year-old record exec expressed personal regret, Katie says his remarks leave out critical context about what young contestants actually experienced during that era.

“The Ugly Truth” singer explains that her emotional reaction to Liam ’s death last year wasn’t solely about fame or general industry pressures. Instead, she says it came fro

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