Harry Styles admits he still struggles to talk about Liam Payne's death

Harry Styles says he still struggles to talk about the death of his former One Direction bandmate Liam Payne, admitting the loss left him shaken and unsure how to navigate grief under public scrutiny.

Liam died aged 31 after falling from a third‑floor hotel balcony in Buenos Aires in October 2024.

Speaking to Zane Lowe on Apple Music, Harry said even acknowledging the tragedy out loud has been difficult.

The visibly emotional star said: “Even the idea of talking about it, I struggle with that a little bit."

He explained that the most disorienting part was realising how many people felt entitled to share in something so personal.

He said: “I think there was a period when he passed away where I really struggled with acknowledging how strange it is to have people own part of your grief, in a way.

“I have such strong feelings around my friend passing away, and then suddenly being made aware there's maybe a desire from other people of you to convey that in some way, or it means you're not feeling what you're feeling, or something.”

Harry said losing someone who had been such a central part of his life — both personally and professionally — made the pain even harder to process.

He said: “And it's so difficult to lose a friend, it's difficult to lose any friend, but it's so difficult to lose a friend who is so like you in so many ways,” he said. “It's like I saw someone with the kindest heart who just wanted to be great.”

The singer, who was on a three‑year break from music at the time of Liam’s death, said the tragedy forced him to reassess everything.

He said: “It was a really important moment for me in terms of taking a look at my life and being able to say to myself, ‘OK, what do I want to do with my life?’ ‘How do I want to live my life?’”

He added that the only way he feels he can honour Liam now is by living fully.

Harry said: “I think the greatest way you can honour your friends who pass away is by living your life to the fullest. A super special person, really sad.”