Liam Payne’s girlfriend Kate Cassidy has spoken out to defend her choice to join an influencer trip on the first anniversary of the singer’s passing.
Kate, who had been in a relationship with the One Direction star for two years before his death on 16 October 2024, shared with her TikTok followers that she had agreed to join what she described as a “wholesome trip” with a brand for two nights.
“I feel like no matter what I do, people have something to say,” she explained. “If I make this video, people will be like, ‘Of course she had to make this video.’ If I didn’t make the video and just went on the trip, people would be like, ‘What is she doing? How is she not in bed crying?’”
She went on to explain how keeping herself busy has been an important way of coping. “I’ve said this many times before. Staying busy helps me keep a positive and active mindset. Doing nothing, lying in bed or sitting at home, doesn’t do good things for my headspace,” she said.
Kate made it clear that Liam would have wanted her to keep herself occupied rather than spending the day alone in sorrow.
“After thinking about it a lot, I know Liam would want me to go. I’m not going to be doing anything on the 16th. I’ll be here in my apartment. I know for a fact I wouldn’t be able to commit to any plans that day,” she explained.
The influencer also shared that she had been hesitant at first to say yes to the invitation, but the idea of a “wholesome trip” that involved Pilates, brunches, and was only a short 20-minute drive from her home made her more comfortable with the decision.
Earlier this week, Kate posted a heartfelt video to mark the anniversary of the last day she saw Liam in Argentina. She said she felt “extremely numb” and remembered their “long heartfelt goodbye.”
Liam passed away after falling from a third-floor balcony at a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was 31.
Fresh from the triumph of his ninth UK Number 1 album Play, global hitmaker Ed Sheeran is taking his music into a new space with the release of Play – The Remixes EP. This latest project, inspired by his transformative month-long stay in India, is a lively blend of cultures that brings together some of the most acclaimed names from South Asia.
At the forefront of the release is the hypnotic new single Symmetry, a collaboration with Punjabi star Karan Aujla. The official video, directed by Liam Pethick, captures a vibrant performance from Sheeran, Aujla, and the internationally celebrated dance crew The Quick Style, creating a striking visual moment that matches the energy of the track.
The EP breathes new life into four songs from the original Play album, blending mainstream pop with a variety of Asian influences. Featured collaborators include rapper Hanumankind, Tamil vocalist Dhee, composer Santhosh Narayanan, singer Jonita, and Karan Aujla. A fresh version of the hit Sapphire, which has already surpassed half a billion streams, now includes vocals from Arijit Singh.
Sheeran explained that his creative spark came from his time in India, where he immersed himself in the country’s music scene while recording Play. “I’ve loved this collaboration process so much and I wanted to represent as much as I could on this EP,” he said, reflecting on his connection with each featured artist. Speaking about Symmetry, he added, “Karan is culture... I feel like this is the beginning of our collaborative journey, and I’m so excited to create more.”
The EP stands as a celebration of music without borders, marking Sheeran’s first Hindi song Heaven, recorded with Jonita. It reflects his dedication to artistic collaboration and shared creativity, bringing global pop together with the deep musical traditions of South India and beyond.
Play – The Remixes EP is now available, offering fans around the world a vibrant and unique fusion of sounds.