Simon Cowell's friend defends him against backlash over Liam Payne's death: 'He was a grown man'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Simon Cowell faced criticism following the tragic death of Liam Payne, with some blaming him for not doing more to help the singer.

However, his longtime friend Sinitta has spoken out, calling the backlash unfair. Sinitta said that Liam was an adult responsible for his own choices.

Simon Cowell was 'absolutely gone' and sobbed uncontrollably 

The news of Liam Payne's death at 31 deeply affected Simon Cowell who reportedly broke down upon hearing the tragic news.

Sinitta, 61, shared that Simon, 65, was overwhelmed with grief upon learning of Liam’s death in October 2024. She recalled how he reacted when she spoke to him about it. "He was absolutely devastated," she said.

"I spoke to Simon, obviously it was a private conversation, but he usually contains his emotions, he's quite stoic isn't he, but he was absolutely gone," Sinitta told The Sun.

"Just holding the phone, he was just sobbing. It's the first time in my life I thought 'well we normally come to you when we don't know what to do,' but he was absolutely devastated," she continued.

"They were like his babies. He went on this journey with them, he was part of it—he was almost the sixth member," she added.

Sinitta defends Simon Cowell against blame for Liam Payne’s struggles

Sinitta also addressed the criticism aimed at Simon Cowell, saying it was "unfair" to hold him responsible for Liam Payne's struggles.

"People have said Simon should have done more to help, but he wasn't to blame for Liam’s untimely death," she stated, adding "Liam was a grown man, and you can't bubble wrap everyone."

Simon first met Liam when he auditioned for 'The X Factor' at just 14 years old and their bond remained strong over the years.

Despite this, Sinitta maintained that Simon was not accountable for what happened to Liam later in life.

Simon Cowell's heartbreaking tribute to Liam Payne

Following Liam Payne’s death, Simon Cowell shared a heartfelt tribute, expressing his sorrow and admiration for the One Direction singer.

"You never really know how you feel about someone until a moment like this happens. Liam, I am truly devastated. Heartbroken. And I feel empty. And I want you to know how much love and respect I have for you. Every tear I have shed is a memory of you," Simon wrote on Instagram in 2024.

Reflecting on their journey together, he continued, "This is so difficult to put in words right now. I went outside today, and I thought about so many times we had together."

He further said, "I wanted to let you know what I would always say to the thousands of people who would always ask me. What is Liam like? And I would tell them you were kind, funny, sweet, thoughtful, talented, humble, focused. And how much you loved music. And how much love you genuinely had for the fans."

Simon also recalled Liam’s first audition, saying, "I had to tell you when you were 14 that this wasn’t your time. And we both made a promise that we would meet again."

"I always thought of the 5 of you in the band as brothers. And reading their messages today I believe you were," he said, adding "And now Liam, I can see the effect you had on so many people. Because you left us too soon."

He concluded the tribute my writing," Rest in peace my friend. And I am sending my love, thoughts and prayers to your family. 'Simon X'."