Overview

• In a new Rolling Stone UK interview, Tomlinson says losing Payne was "really, really, impossibly difficult" and that he had never lost a friend before.
• He describes Payne as "a very misunderstood person" and argues missteps were due to miscommunication rather than malice.
• Tomlinson says media narratives about Payne were "deeply unfair" and calls him the most vital member of One Direction, noting the band leaned on his early experience.
• He reflects that the 15th anniversary of One Direction felt uncomfortable because celebrations now carry a responsibility on behalf of Payne.
• Tomlinson and Zayn Malik have a reported joint project described as a multi-part Netflix docu-series and US road trip that will revisit their history and Payne's passing, with details yet to be announced.