Contrary to multiple reports, notably in the U.K., Liam Payne likely did not resign from several businesses on the day of his death.
U.K. law requires for corporations to report the deaths of directors to Companies House, the British office that oversees businesses, within two weeks. Although the Companies House website reports that Payne “resigned” from positions from four companies on Oct. 16, the day that he fell to his death in Buenos Aires, the website lists having received notice of Payne’s “termination of appointment” electronically on Oct. 24.
Companies House explains the rule on its website. “By law, a company must tell us about any changes to directors’ details within 14 days,” it says. “This includes when a person is no longer a director because they’ve resigned, retired, or sadly passed away.”
On Oct. 24, paperwork was filed to end Payne’s role with Hampton Music Limited, though Companies House doesn’t report who filed the notice. Hampton Music is listed in the credits for Payne’s hit single, “Strip That Down.” It provides “support activities to performing arts.” Payne had assumed the role of director in March 2015. A filing suggested the company had been running at a deficit of £15,300 (a little less than US $19,900) for net assets. Daily Mail reports the company was valued at £17,300 (around $22,500) last year.
Similarly, Companies House reports paperwork was filed on the same day reporting his resignation (because of his death) from Hampton Publishing Limited, Long Play Touring LLP, and Hampton Records Limited. He held director roles at the limited companies and was the LLP designated member at Long Play Touring.
Hampton Publishing, incorporated in 2019, oversaw “sound recording and music publishing activities,” per the Companies House. The company valued itself at £729 (around $950) in its latest filing.
Long Play Touring, incorporated in 2017, handled Payne’s touring business. Valued at £135,000 (approximately $175,500) in 2022, the business was worth £17,000 (a little over $22,000) at the time of his death. Daily Mail reports that Payne had been planning a 2025 tour.
Hampton Records Limited, incorporated in 2016, was originally a business valued at £300,000 (about $390,000) in 2022 and was worth £75,000 (about $97,500) when he resigned. This company held the copyrights to Payne’s LP1 solo album, and it’s listed on vinyl copies of the “Teardrops” single he released this year.
Companies House reports that Payne was also posthumously removed from his director role at Second Way Property LTD, which buys and sells real estate. As of the company’s most recent filing in March 2023, Payne was one of four directors. The company’s net assets were a little more than £1.04 million (a little more than $1.35 million). This notice of resignation was filed on Oct. 30, after the others.
Payne died while on vacation in Buenos Aires, Argentina, two weeks ago, falling from a hotel balcony. Police have ruled his passing “a questionable death” and are investigating what led to it. “We are heartbroken,” Payne’s family said in a statement after his death. “Liam will forever live in our hearts, and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny, and brave soul. We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time.”
