Simon Cowell, creator of One Direction, publishes letter to Liam Payne: ‘Devastated’

This Friday, the 18th, the businessman and television producer, Simon Cowellresponsible for creating One Direction, mourned the death of Liam Payne through Instagram. In the publication, he gets emotional remembering the time on “The X Factor”, in addition to revealing that he had met the singer last year. Check the translation:

You never know how you feel about someone until a moment like this happens.

Liam, I’m really devastated. Heartbroken. And I feel empty. And I want you to know how much love and respect I have for you. Every tear I shed is a memory of you.

It’s so hard to put this into words right now. I went out today and thought about so many moments we spent together. I wanted you to know what I would always say to the thousands of people who always asked me. What’s Liam like? And I would tell them that you were kind, funny, sweet, caring, talented, humble, focused. How much you loved music. And how much love you genuinely had for the fans.

I had to tell you when you were 14 that this was not your time. And we both made a promise that we would meet again. Many people would have given up. You didn’t give up. You came back and within a few months the whole world knew Liam. And you never forgot the fans. I saw you spend so much time with people who wanted to get to know you. You really cared.

You came to see me last year. Not for a meeting. Just to sit and talk. And we remember all the fun times we had together. And how proud you were to be a father. After you left, I remembered that you were still the sweet, kind boy I knew all those years ago. I met your son, Bear. He has your smile and that sparkle in your eyes that you have. And he will be so proud of everything you have achieved. And how you won it.

I always thought of the 5 of you in the band as brothers. And reading their messages today, I believe you were.

And now Liam, I can see the effect you’ve had on so many people. Because you left us too soon.

Rest in peace, my friend.

I am sending my love, thoughts and prayers to your family.

Simon X.”

According to the British newspaper Metro (via Billboard Brasil), due to the tragedy, Simon he also had to be replaced on the program “Britain’s Got Talent”, which he participates as a judge.