Liam Payne’s colleagues and friends continue to grieve his tragic passing. Rita Ora took the stage at the MTV European Music Awards to honor the late One Direction member, her voice breaking as she recalled her memories with the singer.
I’m devastated He had the kindest soul, I will never forget. I loved working with him so much – he was just such a joy to be around on and off stage. This tragic news breaks my heart. Sending all my love and prayers to his family and loved ones. Our song For You takes on a… pic.twitter.com/VxcwdBoJFm
— Rita Ora (@RitaOra) October 17, 2024
Ora addressed the audience during a break in the show and dedicated a moment to Payne, who tragically died after falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina last month.
Ora expressed that everyone involved in the awards ceremony was committed to paying tribute to Payne, a global icon and a close personal friend. She spoke about his kindness, mentioning his “big heart” and selfless nature in her emotional speech. Ora also asked the crowd for a brief moment of silence in his memory. This wasn’t the first time Ora had spoken publicly about his passing. Just days after his death, she had broken down during one of her performances, leaving the audience to finish a song that she and Payne had worked on together.
The investigation into Payne’s death is still underway. Authorities have ruled out suicide, but hotel staff reported that he had been acting erratically, appearing intoxicated and possibly under the influence in the days leading up to the tragedy. An autopsy confirmed that drugs, including pink cocaine, were found in his system.
Three individuals have been charged in connection with his death, including a hotel worker accused of supplying him with the drugs.
Authorities believe Payne was likely unconscious when he fell from the third-floor balcony of his hotel. Prosecutors have reviewed over 800 hours of security footage from the hotel and nearby public areas. They’ve also gathered statements from Payne’s family and friends about his struggles. The singer had openly discussed his battles with drugs and alcohol in the past.
The prosecutor’s office has stated that “illicit conduct was discovered from which three people were charged with the crimes of abandonment of a person followed by death, supply and facilitation of narcotics.”
As for the hotel staff, the report notes that “the person who accompanied the artist on a daily basis during his stay in the city of Buenos Aires” has been charged with “crimes of abandonment of a person followed by death.”
