Simon Cowell in the firing line: X Factor’s Katie Waissel takes aim at music industry following Liam Payne’s death – as Rebecca Ferguson slams ‘exploitation and profiteering of young stars’

Simon Cowell faced a backlash over Liam Payne’s death today, with X Factor’s Katie Waissel declaring ‘we all know the truth’ and Rebecca Ferguson criticising the ‘exploitation and profiteering of young stars’.

The 31-year-old former One Direction singer plunged 45ft from the third floor into the courtyard of the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires yesterday, prompting a wave of tributes from across the showbiz world. 

Waissel, a 38-year-old singer-songwriter who auditioned alongside Payne on the 2010 series of X Factor, name-checked Cowell in two statements in which she accused music bosses of focusing on ‘profits rather than people’.

Cowell, 65, was a judge on X Factor and signed One Direction to his music label, Syco. 

Waissel first took to X last night to reveal her heartbreak at her friend’s death, writing: ‘My heart is completely torn to shreds right now, I am at an absolute loss for words.

Liam’s first ever X Factor audition in 2008, when he was just 14

Katie Waissel, a 38-year-old singer-songwriter who auditioned alongside Payne on the 2010 series of X Factor, name-checked Cowell in two statements today

Rebecca Ferguson, who also appeared on X Factor in 2010 alongside Payne and Waissel, also intervened today 

‘If Simon Cowell dare put a statement out on the heart wrenching, tragic loss of my dear and darling friend Liam, he would be a fool. We all know the truth… and I’ll be sure it all comes out.’

She later released a long statement in which she described Payne as ‘my confidant and my rock’, before turning her focus to her views on the state of the music industry. 

‘Liam was kind, with a pure heart, a sharp mind, and the wisdom of an old soul. His warmth and compassion left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him,’ Waissel wrote. 

‘His tragic passing not only leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of those who loved him but also serves as a painful reminder of the systemic neglect that persists in the industry.

‘There are those who had a responsibility to provide the care and support necessary for the well-being of young artists, but too often, the focus remained on profits rather than the people. 

‘This industry has treated talent like commodities, and the negligence of duty of care has once again led to a heart-wrenching loss. We need only look at Simon Cowell’s recent interview with Steven Bartlett, where he admits his greatest regret was not owning the band’s name.’ 

‘The real regret should be the failure to prioritize the emotional and physical welfare of the artists who put their trust in these institutions. Contracts, whether they are for television shows or record deals, come with a legal and moral duty of care that must be upheld.’

Waissel first took to X last night to reveal her heartbreak at her friend’s death

She later released a long statement in which she described Payne as ‘ my confidant and my rock’, before turning her focus to her views on the state of the music industry’

Waissel said her heart ‘breaks’ for Payne’s family and she felt ‘so deeply sorry for all that you went through’.   

She added: ‘The change the industry so desperately needs will come, and we will honor your legacy until it does. Keep singing in the sky, my friend. With all my love, Katie.’

Rebecca Ferguson, who also appeared on X Factor in 2010 alongside Payne and Waissel, has previously shared her views that the music industry is hiding ‘awful human rights abuses’ and claimed that she has endured ‘systematic misogyny and bullying’ throughout her career.

Today the singer released her own tribute to Payne on X, writing: ‘It’s always a hotel room! We both met at Euston station and shared the taxi together to X factor, young, innocent and unaffected by fame.

‘I can’t help but think of that boy who was hopeful and looking forward to his bright future ahead. If he hadn’t jumped on that train and jumped in that taxi I believe he would be alive today.

‘I’ve spoken for years about the exploitation and profiteering of young stars and the effects – many of us are still living with the aftermath and the PTSD [post traumatic stress disorder].

‘Many of us are devastated and reflective today as it has finally taken its first victim. Rest in Peace Liam, I hope you find peace on the other side and love to your mum and family x.’

Ferguson, who also appeared on X Factor in 2010 alongside Payne and Waissel, also shared her views on X 

Liam giving an interview on X Factor when he was aged 14  

Payne in a selfie he shared from Argentina hours before his tragic death 

Cowell pictured in front of an audience in Blackpool last night 

It comes as Payne’s family described feeling ‘heartbroken’ by his tragic and untimely death, adding that the former One Direction star will ‘forever live in our hearts’.

Payne’s relatives said in an emotional statement: ‘We are heartbroken. 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.’

Payne’s uncle Roger Harris also told MailOnline: ‘We are all just deeply saddened and trying to come to terms with it. I just hope everybody gives them some privacy really and allows them to come to terms with it. That’s all I can say.’

In addition, another relative speaking at Payne’s family home in Wolverhampton told MailOnline: ‘We are utterly devastated by the news.’

The singer died after falling from the third-floor balcony of the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires.

MailOnline has contacted Syco for comment.