Boy George has recently shared his regret over the negative remarks he made about Liam Payne just days before the singer’s tragic death. Speaking on the High Performance podcast, Boy George reflected on his previous comment where he described Liam as being “off his nut.” He admitted that while he felt this way at the time, looking back, the comment wasn’t kind or appropriate. “It wasn’t very nice,” the 63-year-old admitted, acknowledging that his feelings of Liam being “out of control” led him to express something that he now regrets.
Liam Payne, the former One Direction member, tragically passed away on October 16, after falling from a third-floor hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. At just 31 years old, his untimely death shocked fans and the music world. Boy George described the moment he learned about Liam’s passing, recalling that he was in shock upon hearing the news on American television at 5 a.m. “I couldn’t believe it. It just felt so unreal,” he said. The news of Liam’s death left him in disbelief, and he compared the feeling to when Amy Winehouse passed away—both losses felt senseless and deeply impactful.
Boy George also expressed his dismay at the comments people made about his own reaction to Liam’s death. Some had suggested that Boy George only cared because Liam was attractive, a claim he found particularly upsetting. He shared how deeply moved he was when he saw Liam’s father, Geoff Payne, mourning the loss of his son. “It was heartbreaking,” Boy George reflected, admitting that he felt genuinely saddened by the entire situation. The emotional gravity of Liam’s death left him moved and teary-eyed, revealing the depth of his empathy and sorrow.
Liam’s funeral took place in the UK and was a somber occasion attended by his former One Direction bandmates and his ex-girlfriend, Cheryl Cole. The outpouring of grief from friends, family, and fans around the world showed just how much Liam was loved and admired. His untimely passing continues to impact the music industry, leaving many reflecting on his life and legacy.
Boy George’s reflections serve as a reminder of the complexities of public perception and the weight of our words. Regret over past comments, especially when they are made in haste or anger, is a sentiment many can relate to. His acknowledgment of the hurtful nature of his words highlights the importance of kindness and understanding, especially when it comes to those facing personal struggles that may not always be visible to the outside world.
