A representative for Liam Payne has been charged with manslaughter in connection with the One Direction veteran’s death in October, Argentine authorities confirmed on Monday.
Argentina’s National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor’s Office announced in a Spanish-language statement that Judge Laura Graciela Brunial indicted five people on Friday for their alleged involvement in the pop singer’s death. Payne’s agent, identified as RLN, and the manager and receptionist of the Buenos Aires hotel where the British singer fell to her death have been charged with manslaughter.
Another hotel employee and a waiter whom Payne met at the restaurant were charged with providing drugs to Payne.
Mr Payne, an X Factor alumnus and one-fifth of global boy band sensation One Direction, died on October 16 after falling from the balcony of the Casasul Palermo Hotel. . He was 31 years old. Shortly after his death, authorities determined that the singer died from internal and external bleeding from multiple trauma injuries and a fall.
Payne had traces of alcohol, cocaine and prescribed antidepressants in her system when she fell, authorities said in November. Prosecutors said at the time that they were considering ruling out suicide.
In a statement Monday, prosecutors detailed the defendants’ alleged role in Payne’s death. A hotel employee (identified as “EDP”) and a waiter (“BNP”) both allegedly supplied Payne with cocaine on multiple occasions during his stay in Buenos Aires. Payne died two weeks after arriving in Argentina and attending a concert by former bandmate Niall Horan on October 2nd.
Monday’s statement said Payne’s representatives “failed in their duty of care, aid and assistance owed to Mr. Payne.” Prosecutors argued that RLN left Payne alone despite knowing that Payne was “unable to support himself” and knowing in advance that Payne was struggling with addiction.
Prosecutors detailed the incident in which Payne was allegedly carried to a third-floor room by a group of three people before dying. The hotel manager (identified as “GAM”) and the hotel reception manager (“ERG”), who allegedly led the group, told Payne to “stay with them in a safe location away from any danger sources and help them get relief.” “Involves medical care that should have been kept until the time of death,” the prosecutor’s office said.
Judge Bruniard said Monday that the hotel managers “did not act maliciously” in connection with Payne’s death, but that “each of them allowed Mr. Payne to take him to his room and drive him in his car.” It was reckless.”
“They are creating a legally impermissible risk, and Ms. Payne’s death is the realization of that risk,” Bruniard said.
RLN “is responsible for the charge of manslaughter, given that it had assumed the position of surety for Ms. Payne’s family,” Bruniard added.
Ultimately, Ms. Payne’s representatives and the hotel manager “did not premeditate, but through act or omission, contributed to creating a risk that would result in Ms. Payne’s death,” Monday’s statement said. Ta.
Two people charged with supplying drugs to Mr Payne before his death were sentenced to pre-trial detention. According to prosecutors, RLN and the two hotel managers were charged without pretrial detention.
More than a month after Payne’s death, his former bandmates, family and friends gathered for his funeral in England. Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson and Horan attended the ceremony in northwest London. Also in attendance were X Factor judges Simon Cowell and Cheryl Cole (who shares Payne’s young son), as well as his girlfriend Kate Cassidy.
Payne is best known for his work with One Direction, but he also pursued a solo career after the boy band went on hiatus in 2016. As a soloist, he released the songs “Strip That Down,” “Bedroom Floor,” and “Teardrops,” and formed a team. He has performed with artists such as Quavo, Ed Sheeran, and Charlie Puth.
Payne has also spoken openly about his struggles with mental health and addiction. In a YouTube video blog shared in 2023, he revealed that he had been sober for six months.
Times staff writer Nardine Saad contributed to this report.
