Liam Payne, best known for his time with One Direction, tragically passed away last year at the age of 31. In his final interview, he reflected on the difficult moments he faced and credited his ex-girlfriend Cheryl for being a crucial source of support. Before his passing, Liam had been open about his struggles with mental health and personal challenges, acknowledging that Cheryl played a key role in helping him during his lowest points.
The singer’s death shocked fans worldwide after he fell from a third-floor balcony of a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in October. A year before this tragedy, Liam had made waves with an appearance on Logan Paul’s podcast, where he made controversial remarks about his time in One Direction, his career, and conflicts with fellow artists. His claims, including that the band was built around him and that his debut single had outperformed those of his former bandmates, led to a backlash from fans. The fallout from the interview deeply affected him, leading him to admit that he was in a difficult place mentally.
Following this low point, Liam sought professional help, spending three months in a wellness clinic in Louisiana, where he focused on his mental health. During his time there, he embraced sobriety, disconnected from social media, and found solace in creative outlets like art and poetry. In July 2023, he returned to the public eye with a YouTube video titled I’m Back…, where he spoke candidly about his struggles and the steps he had taken to recover. In the heartfelt video, he expressed his appreciation for Cheryl, who not only supported him emotionally but also helped him navigate his path to healing. He also acknowledged the support of his former bandmates, admitting that they had stood by him in moments of crisis, including Zayn Malik, with whom he had previously had a strained relationship.
Looking back on the podcast interview that caused so much controversy, Liam admitted that it was difficult to watch but recognized that it had been a turning point for him. “I needed to take some time out for myself,” he confessed. “I had become someone I didn’t recognize anymore.” He went on to express remorse for his past behavior, admitting that he had let frustration and anger cloud his judgment. Rather than addressing his personal struggles, he had taken them out on others.
In a moment of reflection, Liam acknowledged how much he had learned from his mistakes. “Looking back, the whole podcast was a big ‘L,’” he admitted, but he also recognized it as a life-changing moment that ultimately pushed him toward recovery. His candidness about his journey resonated with fans, showing both the depths of his struggles and the strength it took to seek help. Despite his tragic passing, his words serve as a reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the impact of having a support system in tough times.
