Simon Cowell Reacts To Those Who 'Blame' Him For Liam Payne's Death

Simon CowellSimon Cowell has responded to those critics who “blame” him for the sudden death of former One Direction singer Liam Payne.The TV and music mogul mentored Liam during his and his One Direction bandmates’ time on The X Factor in 2011, and later signed them to his now-defunct Syco record label for the duration of their time together.In October of last year, Liam died tragically at the age of 31 after falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina.Prior to that, the chart-topping singer had spoken publicly about issues relating to his mental health and substance abuse, and a toxicology report found alcohol, cocaine and prescribed drugs in his system at the time of his death.During a new interview with Rolling Stone, Simon was asked about Liam’s death, stating: “When I heard the news, it really hit me. I saw him a year before this happened. He came over to my house. We talked about his son and being a dad.“I remember saying, ‘Music is not everything. Don’t let it run your life anymore. Find something else that you are passionate about’.”Liam Payne pictured in 2017Simon continued: “You ask yourself that question: ‘Could I have done anything more? What would’ve happened to Liam if he hadn’t been in the band?’.“Having spoken to his mum and dad recently, all they kept telling me was he was so proud of what he had achieved. I wish I could turn back the clock, of course. When I spoke to him that day, I felt really good about him. I thought, ‘Wow, you seem in a really good place’.”Asked about those who would put the blame on him for the circumstances leading to Liam’s death, the Britain’s Got Talent judge insisted he doesn’t “read any of this stuff because if I did, you would just torture yourself”.“The idea that you are essentially responsible for somebody’s life, 10 years after you’ve signed someone? You can’t do that,” he added.Simon Cowell with One Direction in 2013Last year, Simon was among the guests at Liam’s funeral, where his four 1D bandmates were also in attendance.Months before Liam’s death, Simon sparked controversy when he claimed that his “one regret” when it came to One Direction was not being made the legal owner of the group’s name, which even appeared to spark a response from members of the group at the time.READ MORE:Liam Payne's Family Describes 'Lasting Damage' From Media In New StatementLouis Tomlinson Claims He'll 'Forever Despise' Logan Paul Over Infamous Liam Payne InterviewMusic Producer Explains Decision To Pull The Release Of Posthumous Liam Payne Single

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