Liam Payne's Death Has Sparked A Complicated Debate About Grief — And The Points Are Valid

Fans and grief experts weigh in on the complexities of mourning the former One Direction singer.

The shocking death of singer Liam Payne has prompted much discussion about grieving a celebrity with a complicated legacy and navigating the realities of parasocial relationships.

The former member of the boy band One Direction died on Wednesday at the age of 31 after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. Although investigations of his death continue, a statement from the National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor’s Office in Buenos Aires notes that “everything indicates that the musician was alone when the fall occurred, and was going through some kind of outbreak due to substance abuse.”

After the news broke, many fans of Payne and One Direction expressed their shock and grief, but the responses have been complex, particularly given the late singer’s troubled history and recent allegations of abuse from his ex-partner Maya Henry.

“Celebrities can have a major impact on our lives through their work, which can create a sense of connection, but because the relationship is one-sided, it can make grieving feel complex and a bit confusing,” said Heather Hagen, a licensed marriage and family therapist and executive director of outpatient services with Newport Healthcare.

We often form parasocial relationships with celebrities.