‘My Heart Aches, We Let You Down’: Sharon Osbourne On Liam Payne's Untimely Death

Sharon Osbourne didn’t hold back as she took a dig at the music industry for “letting down” singer Liam Payne, who died at the age 31. While friends, former bandmates and millions of fans continue to mourn and pay tribute to the late One Direction singer, Osbourne expressed her sorrow, saying her “heart aches” knowing that Payne was left alone.

“Liam, my heart aches. We all let you down. Where was this industry when you needed them? You were just a kid when you entered one of the toughest industries in the world. Who was in your corner? Rest in peace, my friend,” she wrote.

She refrained from divulging any details about her shocking declaration, leaving fans speculating about what she hinted at.

Sharon Osbourne was a judge on The X Factor’s early series from 2004 to 2007, the same show where One Direction was formed. She has been working in the music industry since the 1970s, beginning as a manager to her husband, Ozzy Osbourne. After quitting the show in 2007, she returned in 2013, 2016, and 2017.

Around the same time, Liam Payne had his first audition as a solo artist in 2008 at the age of 14. Although he was advised to return in two years, he did just that and managed to impress the judges. Within weeks, One Direction was formed, and Liam joined the band alongside Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, Niall Horan, and Louis Tomlinson.

One Direction members pay tribute

Amid the outpouring of condolences and mourning, Liam Payne’s former bandmates have also started talking out, with statements from Harry, Zayn, and Louis so far. “I am truly devastated by Liam’s passing,” Harry wrote, while Louis shared a picture with his “best friend” and added, “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.”

Zayn Malik, who was said to be at odds with the late singer, also came forward and shared an emotional post. “I lost a brother when you left us and can’t explain to you what I’d give to just give you a hug one last time and say goodbye to you properly and tell you that I loved and respected you dearly,” a part of his note read.

Liam Payne was in Buenos Aires, Argentina, when he fell from the balcony of his hotel, sustaining multiple serious injuries.