Liam Payne's Friend Launches Defamation Suit Against Singer's Father

Roger Nores is suing Liam Payne's father for allegedly making false statements to Argentine authorities regarding the circumstances of the late singer's death.

In a gripping unfolding legal saga, Roger Nores, a close friend of the late Liam Payne, has initiated a defamation lawsuit against Geoff Payne, the singer's father, in a Florida court. This lawsuit arises from statements allegedly made by Geoff regarding the circumstances surrounding Liam's untimely death at the age of 31.

Liam Payne, formerly of the famed boy band One Direction, tragically died from "multiple trauma" and "internal and external hemorrhage" after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires last year. Following his death, Buenos Aires prosecutors charged five individuals with manslaughter, with Nores named among them. Prosecutors claim that Nores "abandoned" Payne, thus failing in his duty of care.

In the legal complaint submitted on Wednesday, Nores contends that Geoff Payne's declarations to Argentine officials were both "false" and misleading, with significant "material omissions." Central to this dispute are claims made by Geoff that alleged Liam was in the care of Nores and his girlfriend Kate Cassidy due to his addictions.

Nores refutes these claims, asserting that his relationship with the late singer was one of close friendship and that he never bore any legal duty of care towards Liam. He highlighted that Liam was an independent adult who was fully capable of making his own choices, stating, “Liam was an independent adult person who made all his own decisions.”

The lawsuit further alleges that Geoff Payne's statements, disseminated to the media, have had a devastating impact on Nores' reputation, causing "mega proportions with extensive damages." As a gesture of goodwill, Nores has pledged that any financial proceeds from this lawsuit will be directed to the son of Liam Payne, Bear, whom the singer shared with Girls Aloud member Cheryl.

Cheryl was among many who grieved for Liam at his funeral, attended by prominent former bandmates including Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and Zayn Malik. Meanwhile, the inquest into the circumstances of Payne's death has been adjourned until a pre-inquest review set for November 6.

The Press Association is currently seeking comments from both Roger Nores and Geoff Payne regarding this developing situation.