Months after the tragic passing of former One Direction star Liam Payne, a legal storm has quietly settled. Roger Nores, a close friend of the singer, has withdrawn a defamation lawsuit he filed against Liam’s father, Geoff Payne. Here’s everything we know.
The Lawsuit That Shocked Fans
Back in January 2025, Roger Nores—a longtime friend and associate of Liam Payne—filed a defamation lawsuit in Florida against Geoff Payne. The lawsuit demanded over $10 million in damages.
Why? The claim centered around sworn statements Geoff Payne gave to Argentine authorities in the wake of Liam’s sudden and tragic death in Buenos Aires in October 2024. In those statements, Geoff reportedly implied that Nores had failed in a duty of care toward Liam during his final hours. This suggestion deeply upset Nores, who felt he was being blamed for Liam’s death in a public and damaging way.
A Sudden Change Of Heart
On April 9, 2025, Nores unexpectedly filed a motion to dismiss the case without prejudice, meaning he could technically reopen it—but he says he won’t. In a statement shared via Rolling Stone and TMZ, Nores explained: “I got tired, want to focus on productive stuff, and don’t want to fight anymore.” The dismissal has brought an end to what could have been a long, painful legal battle—one playing out alongside already heavy grief over Liam’s death.
Behind-The-Scenes Support From The Payne Family?
Surprisingly, Nores also revealed that the relationship between him and Liam’s family wasn’t as hostile as many assumed. In fact, he told reporters that he had been in contact with Geoff Payne and the family throughout the process. “During this period, I had a lot more support from Liam’s family than people think,” Nores told The Sun. This statement was paired with confirmation that the Buenos Aires Court of Appeal had cleared Nores of any wrongdoing in connection with Liam’s death. The court ruled that Nores could not be held legally responsible for the circumstances that led to the singer’s fatal fall from a hotel balcony.
What Happened To Liam?
Liam Payne passed away in October 2024 under tragic circumstances while staying at the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires. Authorities confirmed he fell from a third-floor balcony. Toxicology reports later revealed a combination of alcohol, cocaine, and a prescription antidepressant in his system.
Following the incident, Argentine prosecutors charged three individuals: a hotel employee, a suspected drug supplier, and another man believed to be close to Liam. Charges included abandonment leading to death and drug supply violations. Though Nores was initially under scrutiny, he was never officially charged, and now, with the lawsuit dropped, it appears he’s moving forward.
Healing After Loss
The lawsuit may be over, but the emotional wounds surrounding Liam’s death are still healing. For fans and family, the pain of losing the beloved artist remains fresh. But with legal matters winding down, attention can now shift to preserving Liam’s legacy through his music, charitable efforts, and the impact he left on millions around the world.
This case reminds us how quickly tragedy can turn personal pain into public drama. For Roger Nores, the decision to walk away from a multimillion-dollar lawsuit seems to be about peace, not profit. And for Liam’s family, it’s one less chapter of heartbreak to endure.
As both sides step away from the courtroom, the focus now returns to what matters most: honoring Liam Payne’s memory and finding strength in moving forward.