Zayn Malik 'lost a brother' with Liam Payne's death: 'I loved and respected you dearly'

Zayn Malik is "beyond devastated" following the death of fellow One Direction member Liam Payne.

In a statement on X, the singer said that he's been talking out loud to himself, "hoping you can hear me."

"I can’t help but think selfishly that there was so many more conversations for us to have in our lives," he said. "I never got to thank you for supporting me through some of the most difficult times in my life. When I was missing home as a 17 yr old kid you would always be there with a positive outlook and reassuring smile and let me know you were my friend and I was loved."

While Zayn admitted they "butted heads" a few times, he respected Liam for being "headstrong and opinionated."

He also said that when it came to music, he always felt like Liam was a "professional," and he himself was "a novice child."

"I was always happy to know, no matter what happened on stage we could always rely on you to know which way to steer the ship next."

Zayn said that he "lost a brother" when Liam passed away.

"I can’t explain to you what I’d give to just give you a hug one last time and say goodbye to you properly and tell you that I loved and respected you dearly," he wrote. "I will cherish all the memories I have with you in my heart forever, there is no words that justify or explain how I feel right now other than beyond devastated. I hope that wherever you are right now you are good are at peace. And you know how loved you are.”

"Love you bro," he added.

Liam passed away on Thursday after falling from the balcony of his Argentina hotel room.

Zayn, Louis, Niall, and Harry earlier released a statement as One Direction. "We're completely devastated by the news of Liam's passing, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly."

Tributes have poured in from Liam's friends and fellow musicians.

Love You Bro ?? pic.twitter.com/shRQDW27bB

— zayn (@zaynmalik) October 17, 2024

—JCB, GMA Integrated News