Maya Henry, Liam Payne’s ex-fiancée, has spoken out for the first time since his tragic death on October 16, 2024. Payne died after falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina, leaving fans and loved ones in shock. Just days before his death, Henry had issued a cease-and-desist order against him amid ongoing legal disputes related to their tumultuous relationship12.
In a recent interview, Henry expressed her devastation over Payne’s passing. Her lawyers confirmed that she had taken legal action due to “new and concerning information” that had emerged prior to his death4. This legal battle included allegations of persistent harassment from Payne, which she detailed in a TikTok video earlier this month2.
Henry described how, after their breakup, Payne would frequently contact her using various phone numbers and even create new iCloud accounts to reach her. She characterized this behavior as manipulative and distressing, stating that he would often claim he was not well and threatened self-harm23.
On the podcast The Internet is Dead, Henry elaborated on her experiences with Payne, describing an abusive dynamic that persisted even after their engagement ended. She revealed that friends of Payne had contacted her, urging her not to release her upcoming book, fearing it would exacerbate his mental health struggles3.
Following the news of Payne’s death, social media users began scrutinizing Henry’s previous allegations against him. Some commenters have unfairly blamed her for his demise, sparking discussions about victim-blaming in abusive relationships3. Advocates emphasize that such narratives perpetuate cycles of control and manipulation within abusive dynamics.
Henry’s emotional response reflects a complex mix of grief and guilt as she navigates the aftermath of their relationship and the public’s reaction to it. Her story highlights the challenges faced by victims of abuse when their abuser is no longer present3.
As she processes this tragedy, Henry continues to advocate for herself and share her experience, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging both her pain and the loss of Liam Payne4.
