Former X Factor contestant Wagner has claimed that there are "bad people and thieves" in the music industry as he discussed the late Liam Payne in an interview with GB News.
The Brazilian singer, who appeared alongside Payne on the reality show in 2010, claimed: "We are surrounded by bad people and thieves everywhere".
His remarks come in the wake of Payne's tragic death in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where the One Direction star reportedly fell from a hotel balcony.
Wagner expressed sympathy for Payne's parents, recalling his first memory of the young singer at the X Factor audition.
Liam Payne dies earlier this week after falling off a balcony aged 31
PA
He noted how Payne's father was "very proud of him", adding poignantly: "Nobody loves us like our mothers do".
Wagner's comments paint a stark picture of the entertainment industry.
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He told GB News: "It's a tough world. When your wife can steal money from you when you split up. Everything is about money."
He remarked: "I think Liam became a multimillionaire, so I don't think he will have complaints about the music industry."
These statements come amid an outpouring of tributes from Payne's X Factor co-stars. Rebecca Ferguson, who shared a taxi with Payne to their X Factor audition, remembered him as "young, innocent and unaffected by fame".
Cher Lloyd, another contestant from the 2010 series, shared fond memories of touring together.
Wagner appeared on the X Factor alongside Liam
GB News
Former X Factor host Dermot O'Leary remembered Payne as "always a joy" who "had time for everyone".
Katie Waissel, another contestant from the 2010 series, called Payne her "confidant and rock" during the show.
Simon Cowell, Payne's mentor on X Factor, stepped away from his Britain's Got Talent duties following the news.
The One Direction star's death was announced on October 16 after emergency services were unable to resuscitate him due to injuries "incompatible with life".
One Direction have issued a statement following Liam Payne's deathGettyFans gathered outside the Hotel Casa Sur in Buenos Aires, where the incident took place, to pay their respects.
Payne had spoken about suffering "very dark years" with mental health issues. He had also postponed a South American tour last year due to a serious kidney infection.
Payne's untimely death at 31 has reignited discussions about the pressures of fame, particularly for young artists.
Storm Lee, who shared a house with Payne during X Factor, observed him "struggle to manage the enormous pressure of sudden fame".