Months after the tragic death of Liam Payne, former One Direction star, a defamation lawsuit has emerged, with the late singer’s friend, Roger Nores, suing Payne’s father, Geoff Payne, for $10 million in damages. The lawsuit stems from statements made by Geoff Payne after Liam’s death, which Nores claims were false and harmful to his reputation.
Liam Payne, 31, died in October 2024 after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, suffering from “multiple trauma” and “internal and external hemorrhage.” His death was surrounded by controversy, and five individuals, including Roger Nores, faced charges in connection with the incident. Nores was accused of manslaughter, with Argentine prosecutors claiming that he “abandoned” Payne and failed in his duty of care responsibilities.
In the defamation lawsuit filed on January 16, Nores alleges that Geoff Payne made statements to Argentine authorities that misrepresented his relationship with Liam and painted him in a negative light. Specifically, Nores disputes claims that Liam, due to his addictions, was under the care of Nores and Payne’s girlfriend, Kate Cassidy. Nores asserts that the singer was an independent adult who made his own decisions and that he was not a legal caretaker for Payne.
The lawsuit emphasizes that Nores and Payne shared a “dear mutual friendship” and that Nores never had any legal responsibility for the singer’s well-being. The defamation claims have caused significant damage to Nores’ reputation, according to the lawsuit, with the impact being described as “mega proportions.”
In a show of goodwill, Nores has pledged to donate any financial proceeds from the lawsuit to Liam’s young son, Bear, whom the singer shares with former partner Cheryl. Nores stated that if the lawsuit is successful, the funds will go towards ensuring Bear’s future well-being.
The death of Liam Payne has had a lasting impact on his fans, friends, and family. In November 2024, a funeral attended by his former bandmates, including Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and Zayn Malik, took place. Cheryl also joined the mourners, paying her respects to the father of her child.
Meanwhile, in honor of Payne’s legacy, a plaque was unveiled three months after his death at a location featured in One Direction’s music videos. The UK inquest into Payne’s death has been adjourned, with a pre-inquest review scheduled for November 6.
This lawsuit has added another layer to the ongoing grief surrounding Liam Payne’s tragic passing, highlighting the complex relationships and legal battles left in its wake.
