Liam Payne died with a $32-million estate and no will. Now his ex will help manage it

Los Angeles Times - May 8th, 2025
Open on Los Angeles Times

Liam Payne, former One Direction singer, died with an estate worth millions but without a will, leaving the court to decide its fate. Meanwhile, his ex-girlfriend Cheryl Tweedy and a music lawyer, Richard Bray, have been given temporary administrative responsibilities to preserve his assets. Payne's tragic death occurred in Buenos Aires after falling from a hotel balcony, following a night of drug use. Despite the chaotic scene and drug paraphernalia found in his hotel room, five individuals were initially charged in connection with his death, though only two remain in pretrial detention for allegedly supplying narcotics.

This situation highlights the complexities that arise when a high-profile individual passes without a will, especially involving significant assets. The implications extend to Payne's family, particularly his son Bear, and the legal process involved in estate management. Additionally, the incident underscores ongoing issues related to substance abuse and mental health in the entertainment industry, drawing parallels with fictional narratives previously associated with Payne's life. The case continues to attract public and media attention, reflecting on both the personal tragedy and broader societal themes.

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RATING

5.8
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides a detailed account of the circumstances surrounding Liam Payne's death and the legal proceedings related to his estate. It scores well on timeliness and readability, as it addresses a current event involving a well-known public figure and presents the information clearly. However, the article could improve in areas such as accuracy, balance, and source quality by providing more direct citations and exploring a broader range of perspectives. While the story engages readers and addresses topics of public interest, its impact is somewhat limited by the focus on celebrity aspects rather than broader societal implications. Overall, the article is informative and engaging but could benefit from enhanced sourcing and a more comprehensive exploration of the issues presented.

RATING DETAILS

6
Accuracy

The article presents several factual claims that require verification. For instance, it asserts that Liam Payne died with an estate worth tens of millions of dollars and no will, and that his ex-girlfriend Cheryl Tweedy and a lawyer were given administrative responsibilities. These claims are significant and need corroboration from reliable sources, such as court documents or official statements. Additionally, the article mentions specific details about the circumstances of Payne's death, including the presence of 'pink cocaine' in his bloodstream and the state of his hotel room. These details should be confirmed through official reports or autopsy results. While the article cites reputable sources like the Guardian and the BBC, it does not provide direct links or references, making it difficult to assess the truthfulness and precision of its claims. Overall, the story includes verifiable facts but lacks sufficient source support and precise attribution for some key points.

5
Balance

The article primarily focuses on the details surrounding Liam Payne's death and the legal proceedings concerning his estate. It presents the perspectives of the involved parties, such as Cheryl Tweedy and the authorities, but lacks a broader range of viewpoints. For instance, it does not include any statements or reactions from Payne's family members or representatives, which could provide additional context. Moreover, the article briefly mentions legal proceedings involving hotel employees and others but does not explore their perspectives or the implications of the charges. This presents a somewhat one-sided view of the situation, with limited exploration of alternative perspectives or potential biases.

7
Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, presenting the information in a logical sequence. It provides a coherent narrative of the events surrounding Liam Payne's death and the subsequent legal proceedings. The language is straightforward, with minimal jargon, making it accessible to a general audience. However, some details, such as the legal implications of dying without a will in the U.K., could be explained more thoroughly to enhance reader understanding. Additionally, the article could benefit from clearer attribution of specific claims to their sources to improve clarity and credibility. Overall, the article is readable but could be improved with more detailed explanations and source attributions.

6
Source quality

The article references reputable sources like the Guardian and the BBC, which are generally considered credible and reliable. However, it does not provide direct citations or links to these sources, which would enhance transparency and allow readers to verify the information independently. The article also lacks a variety of sources, relying primarily on secondary reports without including primary sources such as court documents or official statements. This limits the depth of the information and the ability to assess potential conflicts of interest or biases in the reporting. While the referenced sources have authority, the lack of direct attribution and source variety affects the overall quality of the reporting.

5
Transparency

The article provides limited transparency regarding the basis of its claims. While it mentions sources like the Guardian and the BBC, it does not offer direct access to these reports or explain the methodology used to gather the information. This lack of transparency makes it challenging for readers to understand the context and verify the claims independently. Additionally, the article does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest or biases that might affect the impartiality of the reporting. Greater transparency in sourcing and methodology would improve the article's credibility and help readers assess the validity of the information presented.