Geoff Payne, the father of late singer Liam Payne, has been implicated in a defamation lawsuit filed by Roger Nores, a friend of the deceased. Nores’ legal complaint was lodged in Florida on Wednesday, alleging that false statements made by Payne's father to Argentine officials after Liam's death have significantly harmed his reputation.
Liam Payne, once a prominent member of the boy band One Direction, died at the age of 31 following a fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. His passing was attributed to "multiple trauma" as well as "internal and external hemorrhage," prompting charges against five individuals, including Nores, who was accused of manslaughter. Argentine prosecutors alleged that Nores "abandoned" the singer and neglected his duty of care.
In his lawsuit, Nores challenged Geoff Payne's declarations, asserting they were based on erroneous representations and "material omissions." Specifically, Payne's father alleged that Liam was under the care of Nores and his girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, due to his addictions. However, Nores refutes this claim, emphasizing that he and Liam shared a close friendship but he bore no legal obligation towards the singer, as Liam was an autonomous adult capable of making his own choices.
The lawsuit underscores the damaging effects of Geoff Payne's statements, which were communicated to the media, and highlights the extensive damages experienced by Nores as a result. Nores has pledged that any financial proceeds from the lawsuit will benefit Liam Payne's son, Bear, whom he shared with Girls Aloud singer Cheryl.
Cheryl was seen among mourners at Liam's funeral, alongside his former bandmates Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and Zayn Malik. Meanwhile, the UK inquest into Liam Payne's death remains adjourned until a scheduled pre-inquest review on November 6. The Press Association has reached out to both Mr. Nores and Mr. Payne for a response.
