Liam Payne's heartbreaking final wish for his son has been revealed as ex Cheryl has been awarded control of $32.2M estate.

The One Direction star passed away in October 2024 at the age of 31 after falling from a third-floor balcony at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires.

He left behind a fortune worth $32.2 million but no formal will to dictate how it should be handled.

Under UK inheritance law, Payne’s estate would normally go to a legal spouse. But since he and ex-girlfriend Cheryl Tweedy were never married, his eight-year-old son Bear is the legal heir.

Cheryl, Bear’s mother, has now been appointed administrator of the estate alongside music lawyer Richard Mark Bray.

While Payne didn’t leave behind legal instructions, those closest to him say his final wish was always clear.

“It is a small consolation that Bear will never want for anything, that he will at least benefit from that,” a source told the Daily Mail. “Liam had some very sensible people around him for a time, and he adored Bear so much. He always wanted to do the right thing by him financially.”

Other friends said the 'Strip That Down' singer had been adamant about ensuring Bear would be looked after if anything ever happened to him.

Though it’s unclear exactly how Cheryl will manage the estate, she’s expected to place the funds in a trust for their son, whom she and Payne welcomed in 2017.

The 41-year-old singer released a heart-wrenching public statement on Instagram after news of Payne's death circulated online, calling the loss an “earth-shattering event".

“As I try to navigate this earth-shattering event, and work through my own grief at this indescribably painful time, I'd like to kindly remind everyone that we have lost a human being,” she wrote. “Liam was not only a pop star and celebrity, he was a son, a brother, an uncle, a dear friend, and a father to our 7-year-old son. A son that now has to face the reality of never seeing his father again.”

Cheryl went on to say: “What is troubling my spirit the most is that one day, Bear, will have access to the abhorrent reports and media exploitation we have seen in the past two days. It is breaking my heart further that I cannot protect him from that in his future.”

“I am begging you to consider what use some of these reports are serving, other than to cause further harm to everyone left behind picking up the pieces. Before you leave comments or make videos, ask yourself if you would like your own child or family to read them. Please give Liam the little dignity he has left in the wake of his death to rest in some peace at last. Thank you, Cheryl," she added.

Payne and Cheryl dated from 2016 to 2018 and remained devoted co-parents after their split.

At the time of his death, Payne had been in a relationship with influencer Kate Cassidy for two years. Cassidy, who had left Argentina days before the accident, said she was still struggling to come to terms with his death.

She recalled their final goodbye on Jay Shetty’s On Purpose podcast: “I remember sitting there with him, and I was going on and on and on about how much I love him, and he laughed and interrupted me. He was like: ‘Kate, you’re gonna miss your flight. Your car is in the driveway.’”

Then came his haunting last words: “You're acting like this is the last time you're ever gonna see me again."

“To look back in time and know that that was the last time I was ever going to see him again is just so chilling,” she said.

Cassidy was later informed of his death via a phone call. After the news sank in, she said she “lost it.” Her housekeeper returned to comfort her: “She put in the garage code, ran in the house, and just literally fell on the ground and just hugged me and just said, ‘I am so sorry.’”

“I’m such a believer in signs,” Cassidy added. “But for the first five days, I didn’t feel anything… I’m so disappointed. I love you so much, but I need you to show me a sign because I don’t feel you.”

Featured image credit: Karwai Tang / Getty

Liam Payne's friend has filed a $10 million defamation lawsuit against the late singer's father.

The One Direction superstar tragically passed away at just 31 years old on October 16 after falling from a third-floor balcony at the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Authorities were alerted to the scene following reports of “an aggressive man who could be under the effects of drugs and alcohol,” per Daily Mail.

Upon arrival, officers were informed by the hotel manager of a loud noise in the inner courtyard. Investigators then discovered that Payne had fallen from his room’s balcony.

The late star's death has been officially attributed to "polytrauma," reports The Mirror US.

Rogelio 'Roger' Nores, one of five individuals charged in connection with Payne’s death, now alleges that the star's father, Geoff, made "false" declarations to Argentine officials.

According to a report from the BBC, Nores claims that these declarations "contained material omissions, and many parts were not based on personal knowledge".

The specific statements under scrutiny involve Geoff’s testimony to an Argentine prosecutor on October 22 and October 26. In his account, the father said that he was only able to communicate with his son through Nores and his girlfriend, Kate Cassidy.

He also claimed that Nores “had full responsibility for Liam’s care” after making himself “entirely available” to the late singer, per Rolling Stone.

Nores denies these assertions in the lawsuit - which was filed this week in Florida. He is seeking damages of $10 million.

The man claimed that Geoff’s statements impacted his reputation in "mega proportions with extensive damages," adding that the father "needs to backtrack on his [sworn] statement as he very well knows I wasn’t Liam’s nurse or caretaker".

Nores also added in the 263-page document that his relationship with the 'Strip That Down' singer was one of genuine friendship: "Liam, who I miss every day, was my dear friend and an independent, brilliant, respectful free man who did whatever he wanted whenever he wanted."

In addition to this, the filing states that Geoff’s alleged defamatory remarks were accessible in Palm Beach County, causing harm to Nores in that jurisdiction.

Nores also revealed his intent to donate all "net financial proceeds of the judicial proceedings" to Payne’s son, Bear, whom the late star shared with ex-girlfriend Cheryl.

According to Rolling Stone, Nores sent a defamation retraction letter to Geoff’s attorneys on January 8. However, Payne’s estate responded just two days later, refusing to retract the statements and accusing the man of attempting to interfere with an ongoing investigation.

In their response, the estate said: “The Estate could not take this matter more seriously. It has therefore taken the decision to support [Geoff] in this matter. [Geoff] denies, in the strongest possible terms, that he has defamed or otherwise caused any harm to your client (in the manner set out by your correspondence of 8 January 2025 or otherwise).”

Additionally, Payne’s estate indicated plans to notify Argentine authorities of Nores "seeking to interfere with a police investigation by pressuring [Geoff] to change his evidence".

Featured image credit: Jeff Schear / Getty

Liam Payne fans have issued an urgent warning to others not to attend the star's funeral.

The One Direction singer died on October 16 at the age of 31 after falling from a third-floor hotel balcony in Argentina.

Payne was tragically pronounced dead after having suffered injuries "incompatible with life".

His body had been held in Argentina pending an autopsy and toxicology tests, but has since been released to his family for repatriation to the UK, where he will be laid to rest.

Public prosecutor Andrés Madrea confirmed to the BBC that Payne's body was released on Wednesday (November 6) after an autopsy confirmed that the 31-year-old had suffered internal and external bleeding along with multiple traumatic injuries as a result of the fall.

Further toxicology and laboratory tests were also undertaken to establish the circumstances that led to Payne's death, with the results yet to be confirmed.

The star's father, Geoff Payne, had traveled to Argentina after news of his son's death broke and had remained in the country until he was able to bring him back to the UK.

Payne's body is set to be repatriated to the UK for a funeral, however, fans have urged others not to turn up to attend it in person.

Fans have been leaving floral tributes, balloons, cards, and photos of Payne at a church where his funeral is believed to be being held.

Several fan-organized memorials have also taken place around the world to pay tribute to the star.

Many have taken to X (formerly Twitter) to urge others not to attend the main funeral, in order to allow Payne's family and bandmates to grieve in peace.

They wrote: "A reminder to everyone thinking of going to Liam's funeral. A few articles have stated how the funeral will be private and low-key so please, let his loved ones mourn in peace and privacy. Memorials were for the fans, his funeral is for the people who knew him personally."

Another added: "Liam is finally home and in a way that's comforting to know. He's finally in peace. - Just a reminder that his funeral is not a public event and it's not right to go there. It's important to remember that."

Others wrote: "This is a friendly reminder if you plan on attending Liam Payne funeral DONT it’s for family and close friends ONLY you don’t have the right as a fan to attend so get that idea out your head THANKS," and: "Now that Liam Payne is finally in his way home I don’t wanna see a single one of you trying to get sneak into the funeral. For f**ks sake that is the biggest violation of privacy and if you do that you are not a fan. You’re a weirdo. Let him rest and let his family grieve."

Payne had been in Argentina with his girlfriend Kate Cassidy, who'd left the country two days before his death.

The singer had met up with One Direction bandmate Niall Horan and attended one of the singer's shows just days beforehand.

Reports suggest that Payne's family is plannign to hold a "huge" memorial service for the singer, with many of his celebrity friends expected to attend to pay their last respects to the 'Strip That Down' star.

Payne is survived by his mother, father, and two sisters, as well as his seven-year-old son, Bear, who he shared with ex-girlfriend Cheryl Cole.

Featured image credit: Mike Marsland/Getty Images

Liam Payne's family have released a statement regarding the sudden passing of the 31-year-old.

Payne was reported dead on October 16 after he tragically fell from a third-floor balcony at the Hotel CasaSur in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Despite authorities being on the scene quickly, Payne's injuries were so severe that he was unable to be revived.

It was reported that the hotel had called the police prior to the incident regarding an unnamed male guest. The manager reportedly told the call operator that the guest "has a balcony, and we are afraid they might do something to put their life at risk".

There is currently no confirmation that this call was regarding Payne.

As fans grapple with the tragic news, the One Direction star's family has released a statement, via Sky News.

"We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we'll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul," they said. 

"We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time."

Tributes have flooded in for the star, with fellow musician Charlie Puth taking to his Instagram story to pay his condolences.

"I am in shock right now. Liam was always so kind to me. He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I can not believe he is gone," he said.

Puth followed up his message with a video of Payne presenting him with a t-shirt, and then a selfie of the pair of them.

The Backstreet Boys also released a statement saying: "Words can not express the emotions we are collectively feeling right now, and it seems like the rest of the world is in the same boat.

"Our hearts go out to Liam’s family, friends, and Directioners around the world. Rest in peace brother."

Payne leaves behind a seven-year-old son, Bear, who he shares with singer Cheryl.

The star began his career on the X Factor in 2008 when he was 14.

Although he made it to the judge's houses, he was advised by Simon Cowell to return two years later, which he did.

During his second stint on the show, he was grouped with Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik to form One Direction.

The band went on to become one of the biggest boy bands in the world before each member left to forge successful solo careers.

Our thoughts remain with Payne's loved ones and fans during this time.

Featured image credit: Joe Maher/Getty