How Liam Payne Got Along with the Other One Direction Members

Logo
History & Culture
Musicians
Athletes
Movies & TV
Newsletter
Menendez Brothers Free?
Lyle Menendez
Erik Menendez
Cardi B
Zodiac Killer
Famous Musicians
How Liam Payne Got Along with the Other One Direction Members
Payne, who died Wednesday, had uneven relationships with his former bandmates but said they were there “when I needed them most.”

By Tyler PiccottiPublished: Oct 17, 2024 5:42 PM EDT
niall horan, harry styles, liam payne, zayn malik, and louis tomlinson stand together on a stage and smile
Getty Images
Liam Payne helped One Direction—including fellow former members Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, and Louis Tomlinson—become one of the biggest boy bands in history with more than 70 million records sold. But with the tragic news of Payne’s death on Wednesday, friends and fans are reflecting on the sometimes rocky friendships among the former pop group.

Payne, who unexpectedly died at age 31 after falling from a third-floor hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was a member of One Direction from its inception on the TV competition show The X Factor in 2010. The group appeared to get along from the get-go as its first four albums debuted at No. 1 and songs like “What Makes You Beautiful” and “Story of My Life” became big hits. But behind the scenes, Payne and his bandmates had their share of disagreements before and after One Direction disbanded in 2016.

“I think people have a misconception that we were all just massive mates and whatever else; it’s not the case. But, you know, there’s no bad blood between anyone,” he told TV program Sunday Brunch in 2019. Ultimately, Payne, who admitted to drug and alcohol abuse during his time in the band and after, credited the group for coming to his aid “when I needed them most.”

“We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing,” said Tomlinson, Styles, Malik, and Horan in a joint statement Thursday. “In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly.”

Here’s what we know about where Payne’s relationships with other One Direction members stood before his untimely death.