Liam Payne record label breaks silence after 'dropping him' days before death

The ITV The X Factor star died aged 31 in Buenos Aires, after plunging from a third-floor hotel balcony on Wednesday.

Liam Payne's record label has broken its silence amid claims it had DROPPED the One Direction star before his death aged 31. The ITV The X Factor star died aged 31 in Buenos Aires, after plunging from a third-floor hotel balcony on Wednesday.

Universal Music Group wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, now X: "We are devastated by the tragic passing of Liam Payne. His legacy will live on through his music and the countless fans he inspired and who adored him."

The statement went on, saying: "We send our deepest condolences to Liam’s family and loved ones." According to the Daily Mail, Liam was axed by the record label in the days preceding his death, with a source telling the publication: “Liam's advance was massive and he didn't recoup [it].

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"Out of all of the One Direction boys, Liam was on the wrong path musically.” Niall Horan has said he is “absolutely devastated about the passing of his amazing friend” Liam. He added in a post on Instagram: “It just doesn’t feel real. Liam had an energy and a passion for work that was infectious.

“He was the brightest in every room and always made everyone feel happy and secure.” He continued: “We got to live out our wildest dreams together and I will cherish every moment we had forever.” Payne had been in Argentina to watch Horan perform at the time of his death.

Robbie Williams called for greater kindness and empathy following the death of Liam, who he described as “a handsome talented boy”. The former Take That member, who performed during the 2010 X Factor final with One Direction, posted to Instagram on Friday: “Obviously, my first feelings towards his passing were like everyone else. Shock, sadness and confusion. And to be honest as I write these words that’s where I still am.

“I met the boys on The X Factor and ‘mentored’ them. I use the word mentored in inverted brackets cos I hardly did anything to be honest. I just hung out with them. They were all cheeky and lovely.” He continued: “Our paths have crossed ever since that day and I’m fond of them all. Liam’s trials and tribulations were very similar to mine, so it made sense to reach out and offer what I could. So I did.”

Williams went on to call for greater kindness and empathy, writing “Even famous strangers need your compassion”. He added: “What a Handsome Talented boy. What a tragic painful loss for his friends, family, fans and by the looks of the energy this moment has created – The World.”