The tragic death of Liam Payne, former One Direction member, has taken a legal turn as five individuals face charges related to his passing. The 31-year-old singer died on October 16 after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, just days after completing a stint in rehab. Initial reports stated that Payne was heavily intoxicated at the time of the fall, but alternative theories have emerged, suggesting that hotel staff locked him in his room following disruptive behavior, leading him to jump.
The charged individuals include several hotel employees: Gilda Martin, the hotel manager; Esteban Grassi, the receptionist; and Payne’s friend, Rogelio Nores. Additionally, two employees, Braian Paiz and Ezequiel Pereyra, are accused of supplying drugs to Payne. Argentina’s National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor’s Office has pressed charges of manslaughter against the group. The case is currently in court, with two of the accused being ordered to remain in custody.
An autopsy confirmed that Payne had suffered internal and external bleeding along with a skull fracture, leading to his tragic death. Payne’s family held a private funeral in the U.K. on November 20, which was attended by his former One Direction bandmates: Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, and Niall Horan.
The legal proceedings surrounding his death continue to unfold, with his family reportedly considering further legal action against those involved.