Attorneys for Liam Payne's family appeared in an Argentine court on Tuesday. An unnamed source claimed that they may initiate private criminal proceedings against individuals implicated in his demise.
Page Six has obtained papers indicating that music industry veteran attorney Richard Bray, representing the family, has transferred his legal interests to a local law company in Buenos Aires.
This indicates that Payne's relatives will now serve as plaintiffs in any forthcoming criminal action.
It’s the first time that Payne’s family has been mentioned in any part of the ongoing investigation into the singer’s death at the CasaSur Palermo hotel in Buenos Aires on October 16 — and it comes as shocking photos of his last moments have been revealed.
A source familiar with the family stated they were "100% certain" that Payne's parents, Geoff and Karen Payne, along with his siblings, would pursue justice on his behalf.
The One Direction singer died at the age of 31 after tumbling from the balcony of his hotel room.
Prosecutors have charged two hotel employees with allegedly supplying him with drugs, and one of Payne's acquaintances is a person of interest for not intervening to assist him.
Nevertheless, the probe has assumed a more sinister aspect following the revelation of photographs included in a police report.
They depict hotel staff physically restraining Payne and confining him to his hotel room. Although the timestamps on the photographs remain unverified, it seems this event transpired shortly before his demise.
Nicolás Durrieu, a criminal attorney in Buenos Aires, told Page Six that if this scenario is accurate, hotel personnel may be liable for charges of "abandonment of a person." Because of the fatality, this situation may be deemed "aggravated," carrying a maximum penalty of 15 years.
In Argentina, manslaughter charges may result in a maximum sentence of five years, whilst convictions for drug facilitation or distribution can lead to up to 12 years in imprisonment.
“The legal system also allows the family to bring their own private criminal prosecution and their own investigation. Victims are very empowered and independent from the prosecutor. Usually, the family joins with the prosecutor, but not always," Nicolas stated.
TMZ said on Monday that security footage and the police report indicate that Payne was attempting to flee from his hotel room when he fell. The hotel workers were aware of his intention to utilize the balcony for escape, nevertheless they still left him alone, as reported by the publication.
Disturbing images depict Payne, who exhibited disruptive behavior in the hotel lobby and was under the influence, being carried to his room by three men moments before he succumbed to his fatal fall.
Nevertheless, Payne appeared alert and maintained an erect position on his head.
Images, purportedly extracted from surveillance tape, indicate that when hotel staff escorted Liam to his room corridor, he resisted their efforts and sought to return to the elevator.
A source claimed it was evident that Payne was attempting to return downstairs and did not wish to enter his room.
According to the police complaint reviewed by Page Six, hotel workers utilized a master key to access the room and placed Liam inside.
Upon his entry into the room, the staff contacted 911, expressing concern that he may utilize the balcony and inadvertently injure himself.
The individual, referred to solely as Estaban, a hotel manager, informed the dispatcher that they had a visitor who was purportedly intoxicated and under the influence; when he was coherent, he vandalized his room, and assistance was urgently required.
Esteban requested the immediate dispatch of an individual since I am uncertain whether his life is at risk. He is in a room with a balcony, and we are concerned he may jeopardize his safety.
Payne has expressed his disdain for confinement in hotel rooms, a strategy employed by 1D management during the band's peak popularity.
“When we were in the band, the best way to secure us — because of how big it got — was just lock us in our rooms. And of course, what’s in the room? Mini bar. So at a certain point, I thought, ‘Well I’m gonna have a party for one,'” Payne disclosed his reliance on alcohol as a coping mechanism in a 2021 podcast interview.
A tattler indicated that in September, Payne—who was interred last week in the UK—attempted to flee his Florida rental residence over the balcony after his security confined him to a room, apprehensive that he was experiencing a drug binge.
The discoveries have provoked a surge of emotion among fans and internet users. “This is heartbreaking. Liam deserved better. I hope his family gets the justice they need," one netizen shared. “Those hotel staff should be held accountable. This looks like gross negligence!” a second fan wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
“So tragic. I can’t believe someone who brought so much joy had to endure this," a third source commented. “Interesting how Argentine law empowers families. This could set a precedent for similar cases," another follower inquired.
“He struggled so much, and it seems no one was truly there for him in his darkest moments," a fifth netizen retorted. “Photos like these need to be released carefully. This is still an open investigation," a sixth fan shared.
Business Times has reached out to Liam Payne's camp for comments.
