Simon Cowell in the firing line: X Factor’s Katie Waissel takes aim at music industry following Liam Payne’s death – as Rebecca Ferguson slams ‘exploitation and profiteering of young stars’
Simon Cowell today faced a backlash over Liam Payne’s death, with X Factor’s Katie Waissel declaring that ‘we all know the truth’ and Rebecca Ferguson criticizing the ‘exploitation and profiteering of young stars’.
The 31-year-old former One Direction singer plunged from the third floor into the courtyard of the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires yesterday, prompting a wave of tributes from across the showbiz world.
Waissel, a 38-year-old singer-songwriter who auditioned with Payne for the 2010 series of X Factor, named Cowell in two statements accusing music bosses of focusing on “profit rather than people.”
Cowell, 65, was an X Factor judge and signed One Direction to his music label Syco.
Waissel took to
Simon Cowell – second from left – at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool for the Britain’s Got Talent auditions yesterday. They have now been cancelled
Katie Waissel, a 38-year-old singer-songwriter who auditioned with Payne for the 2010 series X Factor, named Cowell in two statements today
Rebecca Ferguson, who appeared on the X Factor alongside Payne and Waissel in 2010, also intervened today
“If Simon Cowell dared to make a statement about the heartbreaking, tragic loss of my dear friend Liam, he would be a fool. We all know the truth… and I’m sure it will all come out.”
She later released a lengthy statement describing Payne as “my confidante and my rock,” before turning her attention to her views on the state of the music industry.
“Liam was kind, with a pure heart, a sharp mind and the wisdom of an old soul. His warmth and compassion left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him,” Waissel wrote.
“His tragic passing not only leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of those who loved him, but also serves as a painful reminder of the systemic neglect that persists in the industry.
‘There are people who had a responsibility to provide the care and support necessary for the well-being of young artists, but too often the focus remained on the profit rather than the people.
“This industry has treated talent like a commodity, and the disregard for duty of care has led to yet another heartbreaking loss. We only have to look at Simon Cowell’s recent interview with Steven Bartlett, in which he admits that his biggest regret was not having the name of the band.”
“The real regret should be that no priority has been given to the emotional and physical well-being of the artists who place their trust in these institutions. Contracts, whether for television programs or recording contracts, come with a legal and moral duty of care that must be adhered to.”
Waissel went to X for the first time last night to reveal her heartbreak over her friend’s death
She later released a lengthy statement describing Payne as “my confidante and my rock,” before turning her attention to her views on the state of the music industry.
Waissel said her heart “breaks” for Payne’s family and that she felt “so deeply sorry for everything you’ve been through.”
She added: “The change the industry so desperately needs will come, and we will honor your legacy until it does. Keep singing to the sky, my friend. With all my love, Katie.”
Rebecca Ferguson, who appeared on the X Factor alongside Payne and Waissel in 2010, previously shared her view that the music industry is hiding “terrible human rights abuses” and claimed she has faced “systematic misogyny and bullying” throughout her career.
Today, the singer released her own tribute to Payne on X, writing: ‘It’s always a hotel room! We both met at Euston station and shared the taxi to the X Factor, young, innocent and untouched by fame.
‘I think of that boy who was hopeful and looked forward to his bright future. If he hadn’t jumped on that train and into that taxi, I believe he would still be alive today.
‘I have been speaking out for years about the exploitation and profiteering of young stars and its consequences – many of us are still living with the aftermath and PTSD [post traumatic stress disorder].
“Many of us are devastated and thoughtful as the country has finally suffered its first victim. Rest in Peace Liam, I hope you find peace on the other side and love for your mother and family x.”
Ferguson, who appeared on X Factor alongside Payne and Waissel in 2010, also shared her thoughts on X
Payne in a selfie he shared from Argentina hours before his tragic death
It comes as Payne’s family described feeling ‘heartbroken’ by his tragic and untimely death, adding that the former One Direction star will ‘live on in our hearts forever’.
Payne’s relatives said in an emotional statement: ‘We are heartbroken. Liam will live on in our hearts forever and we will remember him for his kind, funny and courageous soul.
‘We support each other as a family as best we can and ask for privacy and space during this terrible time.’
Payne’s uncle Roger Harris also told MailOnline: ‘We are all deeply saddened and trying to come to terms with it. I just hope everyone actually gives them some privacy and allows them to come to terms with it. That’s all I can say.’
In addition, another relative at Payne’s home in Wolverhampton told MailOnline: ‘We are absolutely devastated by the news.’
The singer died after falling from the third floor balcony of the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires.
MailOnline has contacted Syco for comment.