Simon Cowell, The X Factor judge who played a vital role in One Direction’s rise into the spotlight, has issued a statement following Liam Payne’s death. Simon had previously been slammed for focusing on the profits made by an artist rather than their mental health—especially when Liam turned to alcohol as a way to cope with the “isolation” he struggled with while on tour.

X factor judge Simon Cowell has paid tribute to One Direction singer Liam Payne after he passed away aged 31. Simon Cowell paid tribute to the One Direction star, saying he is "heartbroken" and feels "empty" following the singer's death.

Music guru Simon Cowell was the first to give the late Liam Payne his big break in the music industry when he formed One Direction on The X Factor in 2010