'X-Factor' contestant Katie Waissel slams Simon Cowell after Liam Payne death, says 'truth will come out'

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM: Simon Cowell is being slammed by former ‘The X-Factor’ contestant Katie Waissel in the wake of Liam Payne’s tragic death at age 31. 

The One Direction star fatally fell from the third-floor balcony of the CasaSur Hotel in Buenos Aires on Wednesday, October 16. As per authorities, he died from polytrauma, which caused both internal and external injuries. 

As soon as the news of the ‘Strip That Down’ singer’s death surfaced, his friend and fellow ‘X-Factor’ contestant Katie Waissel wrote a touching tribute to Payne, while simultaneously shading ‘X-Factor’ and ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ co-creator and judge Simon Cowell, per Parade.

Why did Katie Waissel slam Simon Cowell?

Taking to X, the ‘Live and Learn’ singer first opened up about her friend’s tragic death, as she wrote, “It is with a profoundly heavy heart that I share this statement on the tragic loss of my dear friend, Liam Payne. We first met in 2010 on The X Factor, where Liam became my confidant and my rock, offering unwavering support during some of my darkest moments on that journey."

While she described Payne as “kind, with a pure heart, a sharp mind, and the wisdom of an old soul,” she also noted that “his tragic passing not only leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of those who loved him but also serves as a painful reminder of the systemic neglect that persists in the industry.”

Without initially naming anyone, Waissel added, “There are those who had a responsibility to provide the care and support necessary for the well-being of young artists, but too often, the focus remained on profits rather than the people. This industry has treated talent like commodities, and the negligence of duty of care has once again led to a heart-wrenching loss.”

She further added, “We need only look at Simon Cowell’s recent interview with Steven Bartlett, where he admits his greatest regret was not owning the band’s name. The real regret should be the failure to prioritize the emotional and physical welfare of the artists who put their trust in these institutions. Contracts, whether they are for television shows or record deals, come with a legal and moral duty of care that must be upheld.”

“Your spirit will live on in the hearts of so many, and your story will continue to be told. The change the industry so desperately needs will come, and we will honor your legacy until it does. Keep singing in the sky, my friend,” Katie concluded her post. 

In another follow-up post, she issued a stark warning to Cowell while saying that “we all know the truth… and I’ll be sure it all comes out.”

"My heart is completely torn to shreds right now, I am at an absolute loss for words. If Simon Cowell dare put a statement out on the heart wrenching, tragic loss of my dear and darling friend Liam, he would be a fool. We all know the truth… and I’ll be sure it all comes out," wrote Waissel while adding the hashtag, "#justiceforliam."

In her third post, Waissel directly called out Cowell's Syco Entertainment with whom Payne's band One Direction was contracted after their third-place finish in 2010 version of the 'X-Factor'. 

The British singer-songwriter wrote, "The tragic loss of my dear friend Liam Payne highlights the urgent need for change in the music industry. I’m calling for an immediate investigation into SyCo Entertainment for negligence and breach of duty of care. Artists are not commodities, and their wellbeing must be prioritised."

"We need new laws to protect the safety and mental health of all in the industry," added the singer, before adding, "NO MORE PROFIT OVER PEOPLE. Let Liam’s story spark the reform we desperately need."

What did Simon Cowell say after Liam Payne’s death?

Cowell, who signed Payne and the four other members of One Direction -- Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik -- after their ‘X-Factor’ gig, has not yet issued a direct statement after Liam Payne’s death. 

Per Forbes, 'The X Factor' issued a statement on social media, where it is written that they are “heartbroken by the sad passing of Liam Payne,” while noting that Payne will “leave a lasting legacy on the music industry and fans.”

Cowell, who was scheduled to hold auditions for ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ on Thursday, October 17, also postponed the event in the wake of Payne’s death.