Overview
- Speaking on The New York Times’ The Interview podcast, Cowell said he was in northern England when told of Payne’s death and immediately asked to call the singer’s parents.
- He recalled their final meeting a year earlier, saying Payne looked well, talked about fatherhood, and discussed focusing on life beyond music.
- On Rolling Stone’s Music Now podcast, Cowell dismissed claims he was responsible for Payne’s death, saying he cannot be accountable for someone’s life years after signing them.
- Payne, 31, died on Oct. 16, 2024, after a fall from a third-floor balcony at Buenos Aires’ CasaSur Palermo Hotel; medical findings cited polytrauma with internal and external hemorrhage.
- Argentine authorities have charged five people, including the hotel manager, a receptionist, and friend Rogelio “Roger” Nores with manslaughter, while two others face drug-supply charges, and police are still reviewing extensive CCTV with no trial date set.