Rebecca Ferguson has spoken of her “devastation” over Liam Payne’s death in a tribute to the singer, calling out the “exploitation and profiteering of young stars”.
The pair met when they auditioned for The X Factor together in 2010, with Ferguson finishing as the runner-up of the series and Payne’s band One Direction just behind her in third place.
Ferguson has spoken out about duty of care in TV shows in the past, and referred to “PTSD” as she posted a statement about Payne’s death on X. Their series co-star Katie Waissel, who has also criticised The X Factor in the past, offered similar thoughts in her tribute to Payne.
Payne died after a fall from a third-floor balcony at a hotel in Buenos Aires on Wednesday, 16 October.
What did Rebecca Ferguson say about Liam Payne?
Liam Payne died on 16 October. (PA/Alamy)
Ferguson posted a tribute to Payne on X, writing: “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 [post traumatic stress disorder].
“Many of us are devastated and reflective today as it has finally taken its first victim.
“Rest in Peace Liam, I hope you find peace on the other side and love to your mum and family x”
Read more: Liam Payne
Katie Waissel’s tribute to Liam Payne
Katie Waissel with Liam Payne at the X Factor tour in 2011. (PA/Alamy)
Katie Waissel, who starred alongside One Direction and Ferguson in 2010’s X Factor, is another alumnus of the show who has made allegations about its duty of care in the past.
Sharing her own tribute to Payne on X, she wrote: “It is with a profoundly heavy heart that I share this statement on the tragic loss of my dear friend, Liam Payne. We first met in 2010 on The X Factor, where Liam became my confidant and my rock, offering unwavering support during some of my darkest moments on that journey.
“Liam was kind, with a pure heart, a sharp mind, and the wisdom of an old soul. His warmth and compassion left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. 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 those 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 profits rather than the people. This industry has treated talent like commodities, and the negligence of duty of care has once again led to a heart-wrenching loss. We need only look at Simon Cowell’s recent interview with Steven Bartlett, where he admits his greatest regret was not owning the band’s name. The real regret should be the failure to prioritize the emotional and physical welfare of the artists who put their trust in these institutions. Contracts, whether they are for television shows or record deals, come with a legal and moral duty of care that must be upheld.
“My heart breaks for Liam’s family—his mother Karen, father Geoff, his sisters Nicola and Ruth, his beloved son Bear and Cheryl—and for all those whose lives have been forever altered by this unimaginable loss.
“Liam, I am so deeply sorry for all that you went through. Your spirit will live on in the hearts of so many, and your story will continue to be told. The change the industry so desperately needs will come, and we will honor your legacy until it does. Keep singing in the sky, my friend. With all my love, Katie”
What has Rebecca Ferguson said about her time on The X Factor?
One Direction with Simon Cowell and Cheryl with Rebecca Ferguson in the final of The X Factor 2010. (Ken McKay/Talkback Thames/Shutterstock)
In June 2023, Ferguson spoke out about the struggles she said she had been living with over the 13 years since taking part in X Factor.
She called for an investigation into reality TV show practices, writing on X: “I’m bound by multiple NDAs but I cannot continue to not live in my full truth, being silent is worse. I’ve lived through hell for years.”
Ferguson shared a screenshot of a 2021 email she had sent to ITV and Ofcom, writing: “I was refused by ITV and OFCOM, no investigation was taken place and my concerns appeared to be fobbed off.
“I am open to communication should they now wish to follow up with my private complaint now that I have made my complaint public.”
Her email claimed that contestants had been “mentally manipulated and abused whilst having mental health problems” and were “reduced to tears due to pressure/bullying”.
Rebecca Ferguson and Liam Payne were on the same X Factor season. (PA/Alamy)
She said contestants were also “forced into contracts without independent legal advice” and alleged that contestants were told if they refused, they would be “kicked off the show”.
Ferguson said she wanted to ensure the safety of any future contestants on similar shows.
Ofcom said that they had replied to Ferguson and met with her virtually, while ITV said in a statement at the time: “We are committed to having in place suitable processes to protect the mental health and welfare of programme participants.
“We have continued to evolve and strengthen our approach, and we expect all producers of commissioned programmes to have in place appropriate procedures to look after the mental health of programme participants as well as their physical safety.
“Those processes and procedures will differ from programme to programme, to ensure that the welfare of all participants in ITV programmes is appropriately safeguarded.
“Whilst the practical detailed processes required to manage participant welfare in each programme must sit with producers themselves, ITV as a broadcaster and commissioner of content provides guidance on what we consider to be best practice: in the selection of participants before filming, in supporting them during filming, and in continued support up to and after the broadcast of the programme.”
Konnie Huq on Liam Payne and early fame
Konnie Huq got to know Liam Payne while presenting The Xtra Factor. (PA Images)
Former Xtra Factor presenter Konnie Huq met Payne at the beginning of his career and paid tribute to him, as well as commenting on the effects of becoming famous early in life.
She told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “I actually found out last night [about his death], but ‘just a boy’ is so right, because really all he’s known in his adult, and pre-adult life as well to some extent, is being in the limelight, and, you know, thrust into this position of global fame, not just sort of being known in your own country, but everywhere, essentially.”
Huq added: “Your brain doesn’t actually fully mature till you’re 25 and if you think he’s, you know… over 10 years before that his journey had already started, and now, with social media and the amount of news channels, you can’t escape that sort of pressure and that level of fame, which I think makes it tougher.
“We’ve always had stories of sort of massive stars dying young, but I feel that the pressure in general is more in modern living.”
The X Factor’s tribute to Liam Payne
The X Factor posted its own tribute to Payne on X, writing: “We are heartbroken by the sad passing of Liam Payne. He was immensely talented and, as part of One Direction, Liam will leave a lasting legacy on the music industry and fans around the world. Our thoughts are with his friends, family and all who loved him.”
Former host Dermot O’Leary also told This Morning: “The amount of people I’ve spoken to over the last 12 hours who worked on the show and felt a real sense of protectiveness over that band, in many ways we grew up with them. Sending all our love to friends and family.”
Yahoo has reached out to Syco Entertainment for comment.
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Publish date : 2024-10-16 23:29:00
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