Liam Payne's X Factor co-star Rebecca Ferguson rages at 'exploitation' of star in powerful tribute

Payne died at the scene after suffering a "cranial fracture and extremely serious injuries that led to his immediate death" according to officials. Preliminary autopsy results reportedly cite "internal and external haemorrhaging" as a cause of death.

Police were called to the hotel in response to reports of an "aggressive man who could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol". The transcript of the call shows how staff feared for the unnamed man's wellbeing.

The One Direction star's "heartbroken" family has released a statement about Payne's death and tributes from across the globe have flooded in for the 31-year-old dad-of-one.

Ferguson, who pipped Payne and his bandmates to the runner-up spot behind Matt Cardle on the ITV singing contest, was one famous face to react to the tragedy - and pulled no punches with her verdict on the music industry when doing so.

She fumed in a statement on X: "It’s always a hotel room! We both met at Euston station and shared the taxi together to X factor, young, innocent and unaffected by fame.

"I can’t help but think of that boy who was hopeful and looking forward to his bright future ahead. If he hadn’t jumped on that train and jumped in that taxi I believe he would be alive today.

"I’ve spoken for years about the exploitation and profiteering of young stars and the effects – many of us are still living with the aftermath and the PTSD.

"Many of us are devastated and reflective today as it has finally taken its first victim.

pic.twitter.com/CgbyDdczsw

— Rebecca Ferguson MBE (@RebeccaFMusic) October 17, 2024

"Rest in Peace Liam, I hope you find peace on the other side and love to your mum and family x." (sic)

Ferguson has been a vocal critic of the music industry for years after shooting to stardom on the X Factor, even calling for parliamentary action to trigger an “overhaul” of the business and the “bullying” that she claimed was unfolding within it.

And she isn't the only X Factor alum to pay their respects to Payne while venting their frustrations with the industry.

Katie Waissel warned music mogul and Syco boss Simon Cowell not to speak out about Payne's death after serving as One Direction's boss following their X Factor stint.

Echoing the sentiment shared by Ferguson, Waissel penned on X in the early hours of Thursday: "My heart is completely torn to shreds right now, I am at an absolute loss for words.

"If Simon Cowell dare put a statement out on the heart wrenching, tragic loss of my dear and darling friend Liam, he would be a fool.

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LISTEN HERE: Translated transcript of emergency 911 call from staff at Liam Payne hotel

"We all know the truth… and I’ll be sure it all comes out. #justiceforliam." (sic)

Waissel is no stranger to publicly condemning Syco and the music industry for its alleged treatment of young performers, revealing last year she was training to be a lawyer in order to sue Syco for an alleged breach of duty of care.

GB News contacted Cowell's teams for comment on Waissel's remarks. The former X Factor judge cancelled Thurday's live Britain's Got Talent auditions in response to Payne's death.

Meanwhile, Payne's family issued a statement via a spokeswoman on Thursday afternoon, saying: "We are heartbroken.

"Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul.

"We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time."