LOUIS Walsh has broken his silence following Liam Payne’s tragic death earlier this week.
Liam died after falling from a third floor balcony at a hotel in Buenes Aires on Wednesday.
Now Louis, 72 – who met Liam in 2008 during his first X Factor auditon – has revealed his devestation over the loss.
He told the Irish Mirror: “No, (I’m) saying nothing. It’s awful.”
It comes just hours after Louis’ close friend and fellow former X Factor judge Sharon Osbourne posted a tribute to Liam on social media.
She wrote: “Liam, my heart aches. We all let you down. Where was this industry when you needed them?
“You were just a kid when you entered one of the toughest industries in the world. Who was in your corner? Rest in peace my friend.”
Liam was 14 when he first auditioned for the ITV talent show and 16 when he was picked for One Direction.
While he did not take part during a year Sharon was on the panel, the pair are thought to know each other through 1D’s former manager, Simon Cowell.
Liam’s autopsy revealed he suffered severe injuries that led to “internal and external haemorrhaging”.
His family told of their heartbreak as they hailed the star’s “kind soul”.
It read: “We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul.
It comes as…
“We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time.”
Last night Liam’s One Direction bandmates Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson shared their grief over his death.
A joint statement read: “We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing. In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say.
“But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly.
“The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us.
“We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam. – Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry.”
