After news broke that Liam Payne had passed away, fans and fellow artists alike shared stories and memories about the beloved One Direction star.
And Zayn Malik will be joining us.
It’s no secret that the former bandmates had a relationship that was fraught with disagreements and, in some cases, violence.
But that’s in the past and all Zayn feels for Liam at the moment is love and sadness.
One Direction’s Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson and Harry Styles at BBC Music at Earl’s Court Exhibition Center in London, England on December 11, 2014・Attend awards. (Ian Gavan/Getty Images)
Zayn praises Liam Payne with a beautiful tribute
Shortly after the band released their joint statement, Zayn took to Instagram to pay his respects.
He shared a letter he wrote directly to Liam, sharing all the feelings and thoughts he had for his friend, knowing full well that they used to “headbutt”.
“Liam, I find myself talking loudly to you in hopes that you will hear me. I can’t help but wonder if there were more conversations in our lives. No.
I cannot thank you enough for supporting me during the most difficult time of my life. When I missed home as a 17-year-old child, you were always there with a positive outlook and a reassuring smile, letting me know that you were my friend and that I was loved. ”
He then addressed the elephant in the room, how they didn’t always see eye to eye.
“Even though you were younger than me, you were always wiser than me, stubborn and opinionated, and you didn’t hesitate to tell others when they were wrong. We clashed several times over this.” However, I have always secretly respected you.
“You will be in my heart forever”
He continued:
“When it came to music Liam, you were the most qualified person in every sense of the word. I didn’t know anything in comparison, I was a beginner kid with no experience, and you were already a pro. On stage. I was always happy to know that no matter what happens, I can always trust you to know which direction to steer the ship next.
I lost a brother when you left us. I can’t explain what I would give you if I could hug you one last time, say goodbye properly, and let you know how much I love and respect you. I will forever cherish all the memories with you in my heart. There are no words that can better justify and explain how I feel right now than devastated. ”
He ended his letter with a simple wish for Liam.
“Wherever you are right now, I hope you are well, at peace, and know how much you are loved.
I love you, brother. ”
Liam and Zayn’s complicated relationship
It’s no secret among One Direction fans that Liam and Zayn didn’t have an easy relationship.
After Zayn left the group in 2015, there was a lot of resentment and bitterness.
During a podcast with Logan Paul in 2022, Liam also addressed the incident that led to their conflict.
“It was well known within the band that I didn’t like taking pictures,” Liam said. “There was a moment in particular where we got into an argument backstage and one of the members threw me against a wall. So I said to him, ‘If you don’t get rid of that hand, there’s a good chance you’ll never use that hand again. ” he said.
He then spoke directly about Zayn and gave a deeper glimpse into their relationship.
“There are many reasons why I hate Zayn, and there are many reasons why I will always be on Zayn’s side,” Liam began at the time. “If I had to go through what he went through, growing up and all that. My parents were supportive to the point of being annoying at times, and Zayn was raised differently in that sense.”
Later, when the interview drew outrage, particularly from Zayn’s fans, Liam once again opened up about his feelings.
“I said there will always be differences of opinion, but I will always, always be on his side. It’s family. Zayn is my brother and I will always be by his side. ” he said.
Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Liam Payne and Louis Tomlinson of music group One Direction perform at 102.7 KIIS FM’s Jingle at Staples Center on December 4, 2015 in Los Angeles, California Attended Ball 2015 Presented by Capital One. (Photo by Mike Windle/Getty Images for iHeartMedia)
Liam’s untimely death
It’s terrible to lose a beautiful soul like Liam, especially at such a young age.
The former boybander died outside a hotel in Argentina’s capital Buenos Aires. Local police confirmed on Wednesday that Liam was found dead after falling from the balcony of his third-floor hotel room.
Metropolitan Police said in a statement that they were called to a hotel in the capital’s leafy Palermo district, where they received a report of an “aggressive man who may be under the influence of drugs and alcohol.”
Liam has been honest about his problems with alcoholism for years. But Liam appeared peaceful and happy in several videos he posted to his Snapchat story in the hours leading up to his shocking death.
In one since-deleted photo, he even shared with fans that he had a “lovely day” spending time with girlfriend Kate Cassidy in Argentina.
An incredibly creepy moment was captured on film that shows how his day will end.
