Tributes to Liam Payne have been flooding social media ever since the news of his tragic death broke.
The former members of One Direction – Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson – released a heartbreaking statement on their official Instagram page (which hasn’t been used since 2020) that read:
“We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing. In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly.
“The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever.
“For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us. We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam. Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry.”
Harry, Louis and Zayn also issued their own separate statements. They both penned a lengthy and loving tribute on their respective personal Instagram pages.
Harry wrote, “I am truly devastated by Liam’s passing. His greatest joy was making other people happy, and it was an honour to be alongside him as he did it.
The Watermelon Sugar singer went on to say, “The years we spent together will forever remain among the most cherished years of my life.
“I miss him always, my lovely friend.”
Harry concluded his poignant tribute – which you can read in full here – by sending his love to Liam’s family and fans.
“My heart breaks for Karen, Geoff, Nicola, Ruth, his son Bear, and all those around the world who knew and loved him, as I did.”
In February 2026, close to a year and a half since his death, Harry Styles reflected on his friend’s passing.
‘It’s so difficult to lose a friend,’ Harry said in an Apple Music interview to promote his album Kiss All The Time. Disco Occasionally. “It’s difficult to lose any friend, but it’s so difficult to lose a friend who is so like you in so many ways.”
He also shared that it was difficult to navigate his grief when so many in the world were grieving him as well. It felt like they “owned” his grief.
“I think there was a period when he passed away where I really struggled with acknowledging how strange it is to have people own part of your grief in a way.”
He also said that Liam’s death was a “really important moment”. His passing made him take a look at his life and evaluate what he wanted to do.
“I think the greatest way you can honour your friends who pass away is by living your life to the fullest. Like, super special person and really sad.”
Watch the full interview here.
Louis wrote, “I am beyond devastated to be writing this but yesterday I lost a brother. Liam was somebody I looked up to everyday, such a positive, funny, and kind soul.
“I first met Liam when he was 16 and I was 18, I was instantly amazed by his voice but more importantly as time went on I got a chance to see the kind brother I’d longed all my life for.”
Louis went on to say that, “For the record, Liam was in my opinion the most vital part of One Direction. His experience from a young age, his perfect pitch, his stage presence, his gift for writing. The list goes on. Thank you for shaping us Liam.”
He concluded his beautiful tribute – which you can read in full here – by adding:
“I wish I got [the] chance to say goodbye and tell you one more time how much I loved you. Payno, my boy, one of my best friends, my brother, I love you mate. Sleep well.”
Zayn wrote, “Liam, I have found myself talking out loud to you hoping you can hear me, I can’t help but think selfishly that there [were] so many more conversations for us to have in our lives.”
The Pillowtalk singer went on to thank Liam for supporting him during “some of the most difficult times” in his life and admitted that he “always secretly respected” Liam for being “headstrong, opinionated” and for unabashedly “telling people when they were wrong”.
Zayn concluded his moving tribute – which you can read in full here – with:
“I hope wherever you are right now you are good and are at peace and you know how loved you are. Love you bro.”
Niall Horan is yet to make a statement separate from the One Direction one.
Numerous other celebrities have written tributes to the late Liam Payne too.
The Backstreet Boys wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter) , “Words can not express the emotions we are collectively feeling right now, and it seems like the rest of the world is in the same boat.
“Our hearts go out to Liam’s family, friends, and Directioners around the world. Rest in peace brother.”
Paris Hilton wrote on X, “So upsetting to hear the news of @LiamPayne passing. Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. RIP my friend.”
And singer Charlie Puth wrote on his Instagram story, “I am in shock right now. Liam was always so kind to me. He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I cannot believe he is gone.”
