Louis Tomlinson just shared the gut-wrenching story of how he found out about Liam Payne’s death — and it came straight from fellow One Direction member Niall Horan.
Talking on The Diary of a CEO podcast, Louis said he was in the car in L.A. when Niall called him with the news. “I had the same feeling that I had with Félicité,” he said, referencing the heartbreaking loss of his sister back in 2019. “And I think anyone has this when they’re around someone who’s struggling—my 150 percent wasn’t nearly enough.”
Like… ouch.
Louis Remembers Liam Payne’s Struggles
Liam passed away in October 2024 after falling from a third-floor balcony at a hotel in Argentina. He was only 31. Reports later confirmed he died from multiple injuries and internal bleeding. Toxicology results found alcohol, cocaine, and a prescription antidepressant in his system.
Louis admitted that Liam was “misunderstood” and was “definitely struggling at that time in his life,” but also opened up about feeling helpless. “And that’s when it’s my own arrogance thinking that I could have helped really,” he said, “because it was so much deeper than what I could have done for him.”
“I Looked Up to Him” — Louis’s Emotional Tribute
Right after Liam’s passing, Louis posted a message that broke every Directioner’s heart. “I feel beyond lucky to have had you in my life but I’m really struggling with the idea of saying goodbye,” he wrote. “I’m so grateful that we got even closer since the band, speaking on the phone for hours, reminiscing about all the thousands of amazing memories we had together is a luxury I thought I’d have with you for life.”
Louis told Diary of a CEO he wanted to post that because he wanted people to remember Liam the right way. “I could just go on and talk all day about how amazing he was, but I think we all looked up to him,” the singer admitted. “I don’t think we would have been brave enough to say at that age when I was in the band, I think I would’ve had too much pride, but we all looked up to him massively.”
Louis Discusses ‘Emotional’ Connection With Liam
Louis went on to admit that he had ’emotional’ conversations with Liam: “Between me and the other boys, not that it’s not emotional because it is, and it’s definitely deeper than surface level, but I would struggle to text the other boys as much… it’s just all a bit small talk. Which is lovely, and it’s nice to catch up like that, but me and Liam would always speak on a much deeper level…. I wanted to look after him. That was a role I felt like I was there to play.”
Honestly, chills.
Louis and Zayn’s Netflix Reunion Is Happening
Now for something a little more hopeful: Louis and Zayn are officially reuniting for a new Netflix project. Yep, after everything, the two are teaming up again, and it’s said to dive deep into their One Direction journey, the highs, the heartbreaks, and how they’ve reconnected after Liam’s passing.
This honestly feels like the closure everyone’s been waiting for. Can’t wait.
READ NEXT:
Fans Resurface a Heartbreaking Tweet by Liam Payne
