Simon Cowell recalls final meeting with Liam Payne as he breaks silence on One Direction star’s death

Simon Cowell has broken his silence following One Direction star Liam Payne’s death.

The music mogul founded One Direction in 2011 when the members each appeared on the X Factor. In a heartfelt statement, Cowell recalled his most recent meeting with the singer.

On his Instagram, the 65-year-old wrote a lengthy statement. He began: “You never really know how you feel about someone until a moment like this happens.

“Liam, I am devastated. Heartbroken. And I feel empty.

“And I want you to know how much love and respect I have for you.Every tear I had shed is a memory of you.

“This is so difficult to put into words right now. I went outside today, and I thought about so many times we had together.

“I wanted to let you know what i would always say to the thousands of people who would ask me. What is Liam like? And I would tell them you were kind, funny, sweet, thoughtful, talented, humble, focused.

“And how much you loved music. And how much love you genuinely had for the fans.”

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