Howie Mandel and 'X Factor' alum Katie Waissel get into heated on-air argument over Liam Payne's death

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Howie Mandel got into a heated on-air debate with former 'The X Factor' contestant Katie Waissel over claims that the singing competition show contributed to Liam Payne's mental health deterioration and his untimely death.

The matter got worse when Mandel and Waissel argued about Payne's death at age 31 and whether the reality competition show had a "duty of care" regarding his deteriorating mental health.

The former One Direction member died on Wednesday, October 16, after falling from the third-floor balcony of the CasaSur Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Payne died from multiple injuries, which resulted in both external and interior injuries, according to the authorities.

Katie Waissel and Howie Mandel argue over Lian Payne's death

During their appearance on 'Piers Morgan Uncensored', Katie Waissel and Howie Mandel got into a furious argument about the "legal and moral duty" that stands between the show, its contestants, and Simon Cowell's Syco Entertainment firm, which is the owner of the 'Got Talent' and 'The X Factor' franchises.

Waissel, who competed with Payne in Season 7 of the UK competition series in 2010, stated, "When it comes to participants on those types of shows myself … there is a legal and moral duty of care, which should be upheld and adhered to."

The dispute began when Mandel tried to absolve the talent shows of any responsibility, stating that he thought everyone had a "moral and legal duty to take care of those people that we come across in life," not just those who work in production.

He emphasized his argument by saying that psychologists were available on staff for those who need help on every competition show he has worked on and that contestants who are "rejected" appear to have a "harder" time, reported Page Six.

James Barr, another panelist, became enraged at Mandel's remark and said, "You are on the payroll! … The entertainment industry and the shows you work for are also responsible." However, the 'AGT' judge interrupted them.

"If we feel that somebody is going south, there is somebody there to talk to them and we do watch over them," Mandel said.

According to a source who spoke to Page Six, the show's production company, Fremantle Limited, provided a doctor and psychologist during the run, and aftercare assistance was always accessible.

Waissel, however, resisted, saying that there was "no duty of care" while she was on 'The X Factor' and that the welfare officer was "absolutely unqualified beyond measure."

During the conversation, Waissel often rolled her eyes and shook her head, especially when Morgan started talking about Payne's supposed "erratic" conduct and the drug paraphernalia that was discovered in his room following his death.

Payne made his debut on the UK edition of 'The X Factor' in 2008, and although he passed the audition stage, he was not selected for the live performances.

He then participated again in 2010 when One Direction was founded, which included Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles, and Zayn Malik. Despite finishing third, they quickly shot to fame.

Piers Morgan sides with Howie Mandel's remarks about Liam Payne

Several guests interrupted one other during the heated discussion, including Piers Morgan, who appeared to support Mandel. Piers continually criticized Waissel, telling her that she "came tenth in a reality show" and that she is not on par with One Direction.

Morgan and Waissel accused one another of presuming things about Payne at the end of the 34-minute YouTube video. Morgan gestured toward her talking about his mental health issues, but she responded that he kept bringing up drugs.

In an episode teaser, Waissel said, "I don’t need to play into this. I am here to talk about the tragic loss of our dear friend, Liam. Thank you very much," according to the New York Post.

Waissel, who is now pursuing legal education to become a lawyer, has been urging the entertainment sector and law enforcement to act related to Payne's death.

Piers Morgan advised to 'do better' for his remarks over Liam Payne's death

Piers Morgan faced criticism online for his remarks over Liam Payne's death.

One X (formerly Twitter) user said, "Do better.. you should know better than to blame the victim."

Another user wrote, "Yes a dark side of fame, but no not suddenly it is everyones fault... Liam is just the current artist to have something tragic happen. So many have passed under suspicious causes."

"Piers Morgan doesn't make any sense," remarked one person.

"The fact piers and howie were even considered “talent” judges at one point in time without having an ounce of it themselves is bizzare, Leave Liam rest in peace, don’t throw stones while living in a glass house," added another.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.