A tourist who witnessed Liam Payne's fatal fall has described the incident as "burned into his brain" in a controversial new documentary criticised as "invasive" by shocked fans. The programme, 'TMZ Presents: Liam Payne: Who's to Blame?', which premiered yesterday in the US, has come under fire for its alleged lack of sensitivity and timing so close after the star's untimely death.
In the documentary, one hotel guest, Bret Watson, recounted the harrowing moment he saw Liam plummet to his demise, confessing that he's been left "haunted" by what he saw. Watson said: "We happened to be looking out of the window of our hotel at the pool area to show her [the planner] the view from the hotel."
"We saw Liam fall... and so we immediately rushed out on the balcony to see what it was and when we looked down we could see that it was Liam laying on the ground," he continued.
Watson also expressed his belief that the singer passed away instantly, reports the Mirror.
Liam, part of the globally famous band One Direction, was just 31 years old when he fell from the third-floor balcony of the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina back in October. An investigative report by the National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor's Office found that Liam's system contained "alcohol, cocaine and prescription antidepressants".
Furthermore, officials have dismissed the possibility of suicide, explaining that "in the state he was in, he did not know what he was doing and could not understand it".
But Mr Watson, speaking to TMZ for their documentary, said: "The wedding planner and I looked at each other like 'oh my God, this is real, this actually happened'."
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He described the ordeal as "heartbreaking" and "haunting", confessing it's an incident he'll never shake off. His poignant story was told within the context of a review of police documents, even with an active investigation into the death.
There’s been a public outcry against the documentary broadcasting in the US only two months after Liam's passing. One dismayed fan on X commented, "Some of these topics are so invasive. just let him rest."
Another expressed outrage, saying, "I can imagine how mad, disappointed, furious and angry Liam Payne's family and his former bandmates feel."
Criticism continued with a fan asserting, "This is so gross. the case is not even closed."
A different X user mentioned their frustration about the way Liam’s being talked about, adding, "A further X user said: The way they're talking about him is what's frustrating... It is already pi**sing me off."
Meanwhile, one viewer insisted, "It should be against the law discussing [this] case with [an] accused."
Speaking following the tragedy, Liam's girlfriend Katie Cassidy said: "I don't even know where to begin. My heart is shattered in ways I can't put into words. I wish you could see the huge impact you've had on the world, even as it feels so dark right now" in a touching tribute.
She continued: "You brought so much happiness and positivity to everyone – millions of fans, your family, friends, and especially me. You are so incredibly loved. You are – because I can't say were – my best friend, the love of my life, and everyone you touched felt just as special as I did. Your energy was contagious, lighting up every room you walked into."
Numerous celebrities, including his former One Direction bandmates, attended Liam's funeral in Buckinghamshire last month. Cheryl Tweedy, who dated Liam between 2016 and 2018, was also spotted leaving the church.
Music mogul Simon Cowell was seen comforting Payne's parents, Geoff and Karen, as they exited the building. The individuals under scrutiny have been identified as Roger Nores, Braian Paiz, hotel worker Ezequiel Pereyra, hotel security Esteban Reynaldo Grassi, and manager Gilda Martín.
Judge Laura Bruinard issued an order last week for CCTV footage of Liam's fatal fall to be examined—a full eight weeks after the tragic incident took place. The footage in question had not been previously disclosed.
Just moments before Liam's death, the singer was seen "convulsing" in the lobby of the CasaSur Palermo Hotel before being carried to his hotel room. Despite their concerns regarding his welfare, the staff left Liam alone.
However, they went on to make a 911 call, demanding urgent medical assistance stating that Liam's life may be in danger. Just moments later, Liam fell over his balcony and tragically died.
English (United States) ·