be so good that they HAVE to recognise 🤝 @lastdinnerparty is Best New Artist for 2025! #BRITs pic.twitter.com/kbuBdgqWAw
— BRIT Awards (@BRITs) March 1, 2025
Liam Payne’s family has opened up about the “indescribable, lasting damage” that media intrusion has had on them since his death. The former One Direction star tragically died on October 16 last year at the age of 31. In a statement, Payne’s family described his passing as “an unspeakable tragedy” and a time of “tremendous grief and pain for those who knew and loved him.” They expressed particular concern for Payne’s 7-year-old son Bear, who is “trying to process emotions which no seven-year-old should have to experience.”
a job well done for @ezracollective… officially #BRITs 2025 Group of the Year winners 🥇 #BRITs pic.twitter.com/7c6AygAnIO
— BRIT Awards (@BRITs) March 1, 2025
The family addressed the recent decision by the Court of Appeal in Argentina to drop all charges against Payne’s friend Roger Nores and two hotel workers in connection with the singer’s death.
While they understood the necessity of the investigation, they accepted the court’s decision.
Thank you @BRITs . Beautiful tribute.
Miss you always brother x
— Louis Tomlinson (@Louis_Tomlinson) March 1, 2025
At the BRIT Awards on March 1, host Jack Whitehall paid tribute to Payne, saying it was time to honor “a very special person who meant so much to so many of the people in this room and to millions around the world.” A video montage celebrated Payne’s life and legacy, featuring childhood photos and footage of him singing.
Tribute honors Liam Payne’s legacy
Payne’s former One Direction bandmates reacted to the tribute on social media. Louis Tomlinson thanked the BRITs for the “beautiful tribute,” saying, “Miss you always brother.”
Niall Horan wrote on Instagram, “I’m absolutely devastated about the passing of my amazing friend, Liam. He was the brightest in every room and always made everyone feel happy and secure.”
Harry Styles emphasized Payne’s infectious joy, stating, “Liam lived wide open, with his heart on his sleeve, he had an energy for life that was infectious.
I will miss him always, my lovely friend.”
Zayn Malik expressed regret at not being able to say goodbye properly, writing, “I lost a brother when you left us and can’t explain to you what I’d give to just give you a hug one last time and say goodbye to you properly and tell you that I loved and respected you dearly.”
Payne’s family expressed gratitude for the tribute while asking for continued privacy as they grieve. They stated, “The family has always wished for privacy to grieve and asks that they be given the space and time to do so.”