Liam Payne’s friend sues the singer’s father for defamation

Late One Direction star Liam Payne’s father Geoff Payne has been named in a US defamation suit by the singer’s friend Roger Norreys.

Payne died at the age of 31, Suffered from “multiple trauma” and “internal and external bleeding” after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires.

Five people were charged over her death, including Mr Norrey, who was charged with murder. Argentine prosecutors claimed he “abandoned” the singer and failed in his duty of care responsibilities.

In a legal complaint filed in Florida on Wednesday, Mr Norreys claimed Payne’s father made “false” declarations to Argentinian authorities that “contained significant omissions, and in many parts were not based on personal knowledge”.

The disputed statements include the allegation that, “due to his addictions”, Payne was in the care of his girlfriend Kate Cassidy and Mr Norreys.

However, Mr Norreys claims his relationship with Payne has been misrepresented, saying they had a “dear mutual friendship” but he “never had a legal duty of care” towards her.

“Liam was an independent adult who made all his own decisions,” the lawsuit said.

It mentions how Mr. Norreys “was never Liam’s carer”.

He said that statements made by Payne’s father, which were shared with the media, had an “adverse impact” on his reputation of “mega proportions with widespread damage”.

The new document says the “net financial proceeds” from the lawsuit will be donated to One Direction and the solo star’s son Bear, whom he shares with Girls Aloud singer Cheryl.

Cheryl was also among the mourners But Payne’s star-studded funeral to be held in NovemberWith his former bandmates Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan and Zayn Malik.

The UK inquest into Payne’s death has been adjourned until a pre-inquest review to be held on 6 November.

The Press Association has contacted Mr Norreys and Mr Payne for comment.