The sudden and tragic death of Liam Payne, former member of the globally beloved boyband One Direction, continues to grip fans and legal observers alike. Payne passed away on October 16, 2024, after a devastating fall from a third-floor hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was only 31 years old.
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The circumstances surrounding Payne’s death are harrowing. In early January 2025, a UK inquest confirmed the cause of death as polytrauma—a term used to describe multiple traumatic injuries to various body systems. Toxicology reports had also revealed that Payne had alcohol, cocaine, and a prescription antidepressant in his system. As reported by BBC, Argentine authorities speculated that Payne might have been in a semi-conscious state during the fall, ruling out any suggestion of a deliberate act.
The ongoing investigation took an international turn when five individuals were charged in Argentina in connection with Payne’s death. Among those charged are the hotel’s manager, Gilda Martin, its receptionist, Esteban Grassi, and Payne’s friend, Roger Nores. They have all been accused of manslaughter.
Two other hotel staff members, Ezequiel Pereyra and Braian Paiz, face allegations of supplying drugs to the singer. If convicted, the defendants could face sentences ranging from one to 15 years in prison, depending on the charges.
Roger Nores files defamation lawsuit
In an unexpected development, Roger Nores, one of those charged in connection with Liam Payne’s death, has filed a $10 million defamation lawsuit against Geoff Payne, Liam’s grieving father. The lawsuit, which has been obtained by Rolling Stones, was reportedly filed on Wednesday 15 January 2025 and accuses Geoff of making false statements that involved Nores in Liam’s death.
According to the lawsuit, Geoff allegedly claimed that Nores was responsible for Liam’s care. Nores vehemently denies these allegations, maintaining that he was merely a close friend of the singer. He told Rolling Stones:
Geoff needs to backtrack on his [sworn] statement as he very well knows I wasn’t Liam’s nurse or caretaker.
In a letter sent to Geoff Payne’s attorneys on January 8, Nores demanded a retraction of the statements. However, Liam’s estate firmly denied any wrongdoing, asserting that Nores was attempting to interfere with the investigation. 'The Estate could not take this matter more seriously,' the estate’s response read.
It has therefore taken the decision to support [Geoff] in this matter.
Nores, who has been charged with manslaughter in Argentina and barred from leaving the country, continues to proclaim his innocence. He insists that any proceeds from the lawsuit will be donated to Liam’s son, Bear, who is also the sole inheritor of the singer's massive fortune.
Roger Nores' defence
Roger Nores, who has time and again been labelled Liam's manager, has denied any professional relationship with the singer, and repeatedly states that he is a close friend of Liam Payne. He added, when in conversation with Rolling Stone,
Liam, who I miss every day, was my dear friend and an independent, brilliant, respectful free man who did whatever he wanted whenever he wanted.
He maintains that he had no responsibility for Payne’s care and disputes claims suggesting otherwise. His lawsuit reads:
Liam was an independent person, an adult who had control over all his personal, financial, and professional decisions and made those decisions independently.
To the knowledge of [Nores] and on information and belief, Liam was not under any legal imposed and monitored care program, guardianship or conservatorship or the like.
Despite his stance, previous reports, which are yet to be verified and confirmed, indicate that Payne’s neuropsychiatrist had expressed concerns about the singer's mental health and the dangers of combining alcohol with antidepressants. These concerns were allegedly communicated to Nores. The psychiatrist ultimately discontinued treatment due to Payne’s behavior and substance use.
On the night of Payne's death, hotel staff made multiple calls to emergency services, reporting that Payne was under the influence of drugs and alcohol and causing disturbances in his room. Nores left the hotel approximately an hour before Payne’s fall. Prosecutors argue this action played a role in the events that followed.
This article has been created with the help of AI.
Read more:
Liam Payne's tragic death: His neuropsychiatrist was allegedly worried about his medication
Liam Payne: Court document reveals new details about the singer's tragic death
Liam Payne: From Simon Cowell to One Direction bandmates, here’s everyone who attended his funeral
Sources used:
BBC: Singer Liam Payne’s cause of death confirmed as polytrauma
BBC: Five charged over Liam Payne’s death
The Mirror: Liam Payne’s grieving dad sued $10 Million by star’s close friend for defamation
OhMyMag UK: New Revelations in Liam Payne’s Tragic Death Investigation
