Authorities in Argentina have charged five individuals in connection with the death of Liam Payne, the former One Direction star who tragically passed away on October 16. Payne, 31, fell from the third-floor balcony of a hotel in Buenos Aires while under the influence of alcohol, cocaine, and a prescription antidepressant, according to toxicology reports.
Table of Contents
- Manslaughter Charges
- Drug Supply Charges
- Judge’s Findings
- Defense Responses
- Payne’s Struggles and Legacy
- Moving Forward
Charges and Accusations
The charges include manslaughter and drug supply, with defendants encompassing hotel staff and Payne’s close associate.
Manslaughter Charges
- Hotel Manager (Gilda Martin): Accused of failing to prevent Payne’s placement in a dangerous environment. The prosecutor argued that the manager should have ensured the intoxicated singer was kept in a safe area until medical help arrived.
- Chief Receptionist (Esteban Grassi): Allegedly instructed others to drag the unconscious Payne to his room, instead of securing a safer environment for him.
- Payne’s Friend (Roger Nores): Charged with neglecting his duty of care by leaving the singer alone despite knowing his vulnerable condition due to multiple addictions.
Drug Supply Charges
- Hotel Employee (Ezequiel Pereyra) and Waiter (Braian Paiz): Accused of supplying cocaine to Payne during his stay. The court ordered their pre-trial detention, with charges carrying potential sentences of 4–15 years in prison.
Judge’s Findings
Judge Laura Bruniard, leading the case, concluded that Payne’s death resulted from an accidental fall in a state of severe intoxication. She determined that Payne may have mistaken the balcony for an exit. Surveillance footage and witness testimonies confirmed that hotel staff dragged the unconscious singer to his room shortly before the fatal fall.
While the judge did not find evidence of premeditated harm, she stated that the accused parties’ actions created a significant risk to Payne’s safety.
Defense Responses
Lawyers for the accused have disputed the charges. Braian Paiz’s lawyer denied allegations of drug dealing, claiming that drugs were consumed socially without any monetary exchange. Payne’s representative, who has been barred from leaving Argentina, also denies wrongdoing, asserting no intent to cause harm.
Payne’s Struggles and Legacy
Payne’s death has cast a spotlight on his battles with addiction and mental health. Earlier in 2023, the singer celebrated six months of sobriety following treatment in the United States. He had postponed his South American tour due to a kidney infection but was in Argentina at the time of his death, attending a concert by former bandmate Niall Horan.
The tragedy shocked fans and the music industry alike. Payne, who rose to fame on The X Factor in 2010, became a global sensation with One Direction. His funeral in Amersham, England, was attended by his bandmates Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and Zayn Malik, alongside other close family and friends.
Moving Forward
The case now progresses to trial, with the accused facing prison sentences ranging from one to 15 years if convicted. The tragedy highlights the need for stronger safeguards for vulnerable individuals and the consequences of neglect in critical situations.
Payne’s legacy as a talented artist and cherished member of One Direction endures, even as the world mourns his untimely loss.
A passionate content creator specializing in viral trends, fashion, beauty, and news. With a keen eye for the latest in style and pop culture, Dilshan Senarath delivers fresh, engaging insights that keep audiences informed and inspired. Expertise in curating viral stories with style and impact.
