Simon Cowell is speaking out for the first time since the former protégé Liam Payne died… issuing a moving statement on social media.
The creator of “The
Simon he wrote to Liam directly in his statement, expressing… “Heartbroken. And I feel empty. And I want you to know how much love and respect I have for you. Every tear I shed is a memory of you.”
Simon confessed that it was “difficult to put into words” all of his pain… noting that he was reflecting on the many memories they had together.
He went on to remember Liam as a “kind, funny, sweet, caring, talented, humble and focused” person who had an incredible talent for music.
Simon recalled his first meeting with Liam… which occurred when the late One Direction alum was just 14 auditioning for “The X Factor” for the first time. Although Liam didn’t make it, Simon credited Liam for going back and auditioning again… which led to the creation of 1D.
Simon said he met up with Liam last year when they talked about their years together… with LP declaring “how proud” he was to be a dad.
He added… “After you left, I remembered that you were still the sweet, kind boy I knew years ago.”
Signing his note, Simon said he would keep Liam’s family, friends and fans in his thoughts during this difficult time.
Liam passed away in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Wednesday after falling from the balcony of his third-floor hotel room. A police officer later told the Associated Press that the singer “jumped from the balcony of his room.” An investigation is ongoing.
According to local authorities, Liam suffered multiple injuries in the fall, which caused him to die from “internal and external bleeding.”
Although a toxicology report is still pending, an emergency call from the team emerged moments before his death … which claimed a hotel guest was “overwhelmed” by drugs and alcohol in the midst of a breakdown.
Liam was just 31 and left behind his son, Bear …who he shared with ex Cheryl Cole.