One Direction Star Liam Payne’s Girlfriend’s Appearance at His Funeral Ignites Mixed Reactions — Photos
Karen and Geoff Payne, watch as their son Liam Payne’s coffin is carried into the funeral in Amersham, UK on November 20, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Among the attendees was Payne’s girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, dressed in an all-black outfit featuring a fur-trimmed coat, dark sunglasses, and styled blonde waves.
Kate Cassidy attends Liam Payne’s funeral in Amersham, England, on November 20, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Kate Cassidy and Damian Hurley attend Liam Payne’s funeral in Amersham on November 20, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Photos of the service sparked mixed reactions online, with one commenting, “She could have worn something more ‘decent’?”
Another chimed in, “Why do they all wear sunglasses, is it some sort of status symbol,” while someone else pointed out, “Was the blow out necessary? Its a funeral not a party [sic].”
Kate Cassidy attends Liam Payne’s funeral on November 20, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
However, others criticized the negative comments aimed at Cassidy, urging respect for Payne’s grieving family and emphasizing that such discussions were inappropriate during a time of mourning.
A netizen’s comment on Liam Payne’s funeral in Amersham, posted on November 20, 2024 | Source: Facebook.com/irishmirror
One fan expressed heartbreak over the tragic circumstances, highlighting the emotional weight of Payne’s funeral.
Meanwhile, another user remarked on Cassidy’s appearance, likening her to a supermodel.
Another acknowledged Cassidy’s actions, adding, “of course she deserves her place at the funeral also. Liam would have wanted that. Rest in Peace Liam 🙏💔 [sic].”
Liam Payne attends the world premiere of “I Am Bolt” in London on November 28, 2016 | Source: Getty Images
While Cassidy’s appearance drew mixed reactions, the ceremony brought together those closest to Payne to honor his life and legacy.
His former bandmates—Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, and Louis Tomlinson—joined Cassidy at the service, standing in solidarity as they paid their respects.
Harry Styles and Niall Horan attend Liam Payne’s funeral service at St. Mary’s Church in Amersham on November 20, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Liam Payne and Kate Cassidy at The 2022 Fashion Awards in London on December 5, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
“I don’t even know where to begin. My heart is shattered in ways I can’t put into words,” she began, reflecting on Payne’s impact on the world and the love they shared.
Kate Cassidy and Liam Payne enjoy outdoor hiking, posted on October 22, 2024 | Source: Instagram.com/kateecass
Cassidy also opened up about her disbelief over his passing, sharing her struggle to adjust to life without him while cherishing the joyful, childlike moments they experienced together.
Kate Cassidy and Liam Payne at Disneyland, posted on October 22, 2024| Source: Instagram.com/kateecass
Reflecting on their relationship, Cassidy revealed that she and Payne had recently envisioned their future, including plans for marriage.
She shared a heartfelt note he wrote just weeks before his passing, expressing his wish to be “engaged & together forever 444.”
Liam Payne’s handwritten note to Kate Cassidy, posted on October 22, 2024 | Source: Instagram.com/kateecass
The 25-year-old influencer kept things casual, donning an oversized graphic T-shirt, gray sweatpants, and slides, with her hair loosely cascading down her face.
Following the outing, netizens quickly expressed concern for Cassidy’s emotional state, with some noting her exhaustion and empathizing with her immense grief.
Some urged paparazzi to respect her privacy, while others shared personal experiences with loss, offering prayers and support for Cassidy and Payne’s family.
Liam Payne and Kate Cassidy in Paris, France on March 1, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
More online commenters expressed sympathy for Cassidy, with some noting how “gutted” she looked and others sharing heartbreak over the immense loss she endured in such a short time.
Although his death was initially surrounded by mystery, it was later reported that he was under the influence of potent drugs.
Liam Payne in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on January 21, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Cassidy, who reportedly lived with Payne in Florida, paid him an initial tribute.
In her Instagram Story, she thanked supporters for their kindness, shared that she felt lost and that the past few days felt unreal, and asked for privacy as she navigated her grief.
The couple posted photos and videos on social media, showing them soaking in the sights and sounds of Buenos Aires.
However, Cassidy left Argentina on October 14, flying back to Florida.
Kate Cassidy holding a travelling neck pillow | Source: tiktok.com/@katecass
She later explained in a TikTok video that the couple originally planned to stay for five days, but the trip stretched into two weeks.
“I was just like, ‘I need to go home,’ I was so ready to leave,” Cassidy admitted, explaining that her travel anxiety even triggered a “weird rash” before her flight.
Kate Cassidy | Source: tiktok.com/@katecass
Meanwhile, Payne stayed behind in Buenos Aires, checking into the CasaSur Palermo Hotel.
In the now-deleted post, he shared a video showing behind-the-scenes moments of his time in Argentina, including clips with Cassidy.
The singer described the day as “lovely” and included a photo of the two of them standing together, looking into a mirror.
However, despite his upbeat caption, some followers noticed something was off about his appearance.
Some commenters speculated about Payne’s emotional state, describing his eyes as “empty” and suggesting he “seemed depressed.”
Before his death, hotel staff and guests at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires witnessed the singer acting erratically.
Liam Payne attends the “I Am Bolt” premiere in London on November 28, 2016 | Source: Getty Images
According to multiple sources, Payne was seen in the hotel lobby earlier, displaying aggressive and unsettling behavior.
A witness recounted a disturbing incident where Payne smashed his laptop, prompting hotel staff to intervene and physically escort him back to his room due to his disruptive behavior.
Liam Payne at the Atlantis The Royal in Dubai on January 20, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
The caller’s report matched accounts from those who had seen Payne in the lobby earlier, concerned by his behavior.
Emergency services arrived quickly, but despite their best efforts, Payne was pronounced dead on the spot.
Alberto Crescenti, head of Argentina’s emergency medical system, confirmed that Payne’s injuries were “incompatible with life,” making resuscitation impossible.
Liam Payne attends The Summer Party 2019 at The Serpentine Gallery in London on June 25, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
Amid his tragic death, loved ones and fans mourn Payne, cherishing his legacy as a beloved musician and the joy he brought to those around him.