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The death of former One Direction star Liam Payne, who fell from a third-floor balcony in Buenos Aires on October 16, has led to charges against five individuals, according to Argentina's National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor's Office. Payne, 31, was found to have alcohol, cocaine, and a prescription antidepressant in his system at the time of his passing.
Charged with manslaughter are hotel manager Gilda Martin, receptionist Esteban Grassi, and Payne's friend, Roger Nores. Additionally, hotel employees Braian Paiz and Ezequiel Pereyra face drug-supplying charges. If convicted, the manslaughter charges carry sentences of up to five years, while drug-related offenses could result in 15 years of imprisonment.
Judge Laura Bruniard emphasized, "The proper thing to do was to leave him in a safe place and with company until a doctor arrived." Instead, Payne was reportedly taken to his room under unsafe conditions, with the receptionist instructing staff to "drag" him there despite his inability to stand.
Payne's death was attributed to multiple traumas and hemorrhages caused by his fall at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel. Toxicology reports revealed substance use, and earlier emergency calls reported his destructive behavior in the room, with one stating, "He is tearing the whole room apart."
Hotel manager Martin and receptionist Grassi are accused of neglecting their duty of care by failing to ensure Payne's safety. Judge Bruniard remarked that while they "did not intend for Payne to die," their negligence created a "legally disapproved risk."
Meanwhile, Paiz and Pereyra are alleged to have supplied cocaine to Payne multiple times before his death. WhatsApp messages reportedly reviewed by the court suggested drug transactions between Paiz and Payne on October 14, with additional allegations against Pereyra for supplying drugs on October 15 and 16.
Payne's friend, Nores, faces accusations of abandoning him despite knowing his impaired state. Nores, however, denied the claims, stating, "I never abandoned Liam. I went to his hotel three times that day and left 40 minutes before this happened."
Judge Bruniard has ordered Paiz and Pereyra to remain in custody pending further court proceedings.
