This afternoon, One Direction’s Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik broke their silence on their former bandmate Liam Payne’s death. The four members released a joint statement to The Hollywood Reporter.
They said: “We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing. In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly. The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us. We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam.”
Payne passed away yesterday in Buenos Aires after falling from the third floor of the hotel he was staying at, police shared. He had been in the city to see Horan perform on October 2.
In 2010, all five members competed individually on The X Factor; they were subsequently assembled into boy group during the show that went on to achieve massive global fame.
Malik left the group in 2015, and the remaining four members went on an indefinite hiatus in 2016. Each member has their own solo career now.
Payne’s family also released a statement to the BBC. “We are heartbroken,” the group, which included his parents Karen and Geoff, said. “Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul. We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time.”
Alyssa Bailey is the senior news and strategy editor at ELLE.com, where she oversees coverage of celebrities and royals (particularly Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton). She previously held positions at InStyle and Cosmopolitan. When she’s not working, she loves running around Central Park, making people take #ootd pics of her, and exploring New York City.