Watch: Why Did a Music Label Drop Liam Payne Just Days Before His Tragic Death?

A report has surfaced claiming that Liam Payne was quietly dropped by his music label just days before his tragic death. According to sources, the label parted ways with Payne because they doubted whether the new music he wanted to produce would resonate with his existing fan base, particularly those who followed him during his One Direction days.

Payne passed away on Wednesday, October 16, at the age of 31, after a fatal fall from the balcony of his hotel’s third floor in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

 

Did Universal Drop Payne Due to Online Memes?

An insider told *Mail Online*, “Liam wanted to explore music that he was passionate about, but his label felt it might not appeal to One Direction fans, which led to disagreements over how his brand should be marketed.” The source also mentioned that budget constraints were another factor that contributed to the termination of their partnership.

The insider alleged that negative media coverage, including “all the memes and jokes circulating online,” also played a part in the label’s decision. “The entire music industry is undergoing cost-cutting measures, so Universal opted to drop Liam quietly and shift focus to other artists,” the source added. “While Liam didn’t need the money because he was already wealthy, the decision still hurt him, especially since he constantly felt the pressure to compete with his former bandmates.”

Another source stated that public perception was a significant factor in the label’s decision. “It wasn’t that Liam was difficult to work with—there are much more challenging artists in the industry. But because he was being ridiculed in public, it was easier for his team to step away.” They further expressed that despite Liam having generated millions for the industry, he was abandoned when he needed their support.

 

Universal’s Tribute to Liam Payne

According to reports, Payne had been paid in advance by the label, though he did not claim the full amount. His troubles with professional representation were further compounded when his London-based publicist also parted ways with him earlier in October 2024, leaving him without any PR support.