Liam Payne's X Factor Mentor Robbie Williams Shares Their Heartbreaking Final Exchange

Robbie Williams is looking back on his history with Liam Payne.

The former Take That member—who mentored Liam and his One Direction bandmates Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik when they were competing on The X Factor U.K. back in 2010—opened up about his connection to the late singer in the wake of his death.

"How to make sense of the Liam Payne tragedy?" Robbie began in an Oct. 18 Instagram post. "Obviously, my first feelings towards his passing were like everyone else. Shock, sadness and confusion. And to be honest as I write these words that’s where I still am."

While the 50-year-old noted that he's "fond" of every member of One Direction, he saw a kindred spirit in Liam through the years as they both struggled with sobriety while grappling with the spotlight.

Since Liam's "trials and tribulations were very similar to mine," Robbie said "it made sense to reach out" to him several years ago and "offer what I could."

The result was a heartfelt exchange over email, a screenshot of which Robbie shared in his post. 

"Thanks man that means the world," a June 2022 email signed "Liam" read. "I'm nervous as hell about it but I won't back out you have my word. Wish me luck."

In his email response, Robbie wrote that he was "very proud."

"F--k yeah," he told Liam. "Go get it."

Reflecting on Liam's past struggles, Robbie stressed in his Instagram post that "WE DON’T KNOW WHATS GOING ON IN PEOPLE’S LIVES" and "WHAT PAIN THEY’RE GOING THROUGH AND WHAT MAKES THEM BEHAVE IN THE WAY THAT THEY BEHAVE."

"I still had my demons at 31," he continued. "I relapsed. I was in pain. I was in pain because I relapsed. I relapsed because of a multitude of painful reasons."

Urging the public to show kindness amid this tragedy, Robbie noted, "As individuals though we have the power to change ourselves. We can be kinder. We can be more empathic."

"Even famous strangers need your compassion," he added. "What a Handsome Talented boy. What a tragic painful loss for his friends, family, fans and by the looks of the energy this moment has created - The World."

And as seen in the screenshot of Robbie and Liam's email chain, the "Millennium" artist had a final message to his friend shortly after his fatal fall from an Argentina hotel balcony Oct. 16. In an email sent to Liam's account on Oct. 17, Robbie included an emoji of a broken heart.

Robbie's message resonated with many of Liam's close friends and family—including his sister Nicola Payne, who "liked" the post on Instagram.

Meanwhile, The X Factor U.K. runner-up Olly Murs said in the comments section, "hit me hard this."

He added, "well said Rob."

For more celeb tributes to Liam, keep reading.

"We're completely devastated by the news of Liam's passing," the band wrote in a joint statement on Instagram. "In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly."

Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan and Harry Styles continued to emphasize the impact Liam had on their lives. 

"The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever," the statement added. "For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us. We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam."

"I am absolutely devastated about the passing of my amazing friend, Liam," Niall wrote in a lengthy Instagram statement. "It just doesn't feel real. Liam had an energy for life and a passion for work that was infectious. He was the brightest in every room and always made everyone feel happy and secure."

The "Slow Hands" singer continued to reminisce on his time singing alongside Liam in One Direction. 

"All the laughs we had over the years, sometimes about the simplest of things, keep coming to my mind through the sadness," Niall added. "We got to live out our wildest dreams together and I will cherish every moment we had forever. The bond and friendship we had doesn't happen often in a lifetime."

Niall, who had Liam and his girlfriend Kate Cassidy as guests at his recent concert in Buenos Aires, also detailed what it was like seeing his friend for the final time. 

"I feel so fortunate that I got to see him recently," Niall wrote. "I sadly didn't know that after saying goodbye and hugging him that evening, I would be saying goodbye forever. It's heartbreaking. My love and condolences go out to Geoff, Karen, Ruth, Nicola and of course his son Bear. Thank you for everything, Payno. Love you brother."

"I am truly devastated by Liam’s passing," Harry began in his Instagram post. "His greatest joy was making other people happy, and it was an honour to be alongside him as he did it."

"Liam lived wide open, with his heart on his sleeve, he had an energy for life that was infectious," he added of his legacy. "He was warm, supportive, and incredibly loving. The years we spent together will forever remain among the most cherished years of my life. I will miss him always, my lovely friend."

Liam's former One Direction bandmate reflected on all he wished he could have said to him. 

"I can't help but think selfishly that there was so many more conversations for us to have in our lives," Zayn wrote on Instagram. "I never got to thank you for supporting me through some of the most difficult times in my life. When I was missing home as a 17 yr old kid you would always be there with a positive outlook and reassuring smile and let me know you were my friend and that I was loved."

"Even though you were younger than me you were always more sensible than me, you were headstrong, opinionated, and gave no f--ks about telling people when they were wrong," he continued. "Even though we butted heads because of this a few times,I always secretly respected you for it."

Zayn also called Liam "the most qualified" musician in the band "in every sense."

"I lost a brother when you left us and can't explain to you what I'd give to just give you a hug one last time and say goodbye to you properly and tell you that I loved and respected you dearly," he wrote. "[I] will cherish all the memories I have with you in my heart forever, there is no words that justify or explain how I feel right now other than beyond devastated."

Louis shared a lengthy statement to his own Instagram, commemorating Liam's legacy and his friendship. 

"I am beyond devastated to be writing this but yesterday I lost a brother," Louis wrote. "Liam was somebody I looked up to everyday, such a positive, funny, and kind soul. I first met Liam when he was 16 and I was 18, I was instantly amazed by his voice but more importantly as time went on I got the chance to see the kind of brother I'd longed all my life for."

The "Back To You" singer—who cowrote many One Direction songs with Liam—continued to note Liam's impact on the band. 

"Liam was an incredible song writer with a great sense of melody, we often spoke of getting back into the studio together to try and recreate the writing chemistry we had built up in the band," he added. "And for the record, Liam was in my opinion the most vital part of One Direction. His experience from a young age, his perfect pitch, his stage presence, his gift for writing. The list goes on. Thank you for shaping us Liam."

"We are heartbroken," Liam's family—including mom Karen, dad Geoff and sisters Ruth and Nicola—told the BBC. "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."

Liam's girlfriend—who was vacationing with the late singer and left Argentina days before his death—said she has been "at a complete loss" since news of his passing.

"Nothing about the past few days have felt real," Kate wrote on Instagram Story. "I ask and pray that you give me the grace and space to navigate this in private."

Calling Liam an "angel," the influencer added, "I want you to know I loved you unconditionally and completely. I will continue to love you for the rest of my life."

In a statement describing her ex's death as an "earth shattering event," Cheryl—who shares son Bear with Liam—reminded folks to exercise grace during this "indescribably painful time."

"I'd like to kindly remind everyone that we have lost a human being," she wrote on Instagram Oct. 18. "Liam was not only a pop star and celebrity, he was a son, a brother, an uncle, a dear friend and a father to our 7 year old son. A son that now has to face the reality of never seeing his father again."

She added, "Please give Liam the little dignity he has left in the wake of his death," she concluded, "to rest in some peace at last."

"Liam, I am truly devastated. Heartbroken. And I feel empty," the X Factor judge wrote on Instagram Oct. 18. "And I want you to know how much love and respect I have for you. Every tear I have shed is a memory of you."

Describing Liam—who he mentored along with the rest of One Direction—as "kind, funny, sweet, thoughtful, talented, humble, focused," Simon continued, "I always thought the of the five of you in the band as brothers"

He added, "And now Liam, I can see the effect you had on so many people. Because you left us too soon. Rest in peace my friend."

"At a loss for words," Ed wrote in an Oct. 17 Instagram post. "My thoughts are with his family and loved ones, every memory I have with him is a great one, just a heartbreaking situation. Be kind. X."

"The news of Liam's passing is truly devastating," The Little Mix member wrote in an Oct. 17 Instagram Story. "Sending so much love to his family, friends, fans, loved ones and all who knew him."

Jade—who competed on The X Factor UK alongside Perrie Edwards, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jesy Nelson in 2011 as Little Mix—also shared a memory of coming up in the industry with Liam. 

"We fell out of touch as the years went by," Jade continued. "But back in 2008 he was the first friend I made in this industry. Both of us so young, so ambitious, both hoping we'd 'make it.' I hope you are at peace now."

The Little Mix member reshared Louis Tomlinson's post about Liam, adding a message of her own. 

"This is beyong heartbreaking," she wrote. "Every time we crossed paths he was so lovely and humble. I'll never forget seeing One Direction on tour for the first time and being instantly drawn to Liam's presence you could just tell he was made for that stage. Gone way too soon. Sending all my love and deepest condolences to his family and everyone close to him."

The Fifth Harmony alum, who collaborated with Liam for a 2018 mixtape, thanked the late singer for "for all the joy you brought my friends and i."

"It really made an impression on me as a young girl to meet a member of a group i loved and have him be so kind," she wrote on Instagram Story. "it's a tragedy to have him gone way too soon."

"I’ll miss u dear friend. It’s so difficult to write this out," the DJ wrote in an Oct. 17 Instagram post. "Doesn’t make sense, I can’t believe you’re gone brother. We had so many amazing memories together on and off the stage. A true legend and a kinder soul with a heart of gold. Miss u my brother."

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of Liam Payne," the boy band shared to their offical account's Instagram Story. "Our hearts go out to his family, friends and fans during this difficult time."

The former *NSYNC member, who collaborated with the One Direction star on his last solo single "Teardrops," shared a tribute to Liam on Instagram, "I will miss you my friend—my heart is with your family."

The influencer, who dated Liam briefly in 2022, shared her condolences in an Instagram Story. 

"I'm sorry this happened to you, will forever love and miss you," Aliana wrote. "Rest in paradise."

"I'm devastated," the singer, who sang with Liam on the single "For You," wrote on X, formerly Twitter Oct. 17. "He had the kindest soul, I will never forget. I loved working with him so much—he was just such a joy to be around on and off stage. This tragic news breaks my heart. Sending all my love and prayers to his family and loved ones. Our song For You takes on a whole new meaning for me now. R.I.P."

The former Late Late host, who was a longtime friend and fan of the British boy band, wrote in an Instagram post.

"Talking about Liam in the past tense is utterly heartbreaking," he wrote. "He was such a loving and kind soul. I will treasure the moments I got to spend with him. My thoughts are with his family today x."

Harry Styles' sister reshared One Direction's statement to her Instagram Story Oct. 17, adding, "My thoughts are with Liam's family and everyone who will feel his loss deeply."

The Take That singer, who mentored One Direction on The X Factor, shared his thoughts on Liam's passing in a lengthy Instagram post Oct. 18. 

"What a Handsome Talented boy," Robbie wrote. "What a tragic painful loss for his friends, family, fans and by the looks of the energy this moment has created—the world."

The boy band—made up of Nick Carter, AJ McLean, Brian Littrell, Kevin Richardson and Howie Dorough—shared their condolences.

"Words can not express the emotions we are collectively feeling right now, and it seems like the rest of the world is in the same boat," the statement on X, formerly Twitter, said. "Our hearts go out to Liam’s family, friends, and Directioners around the world. Rest in peace brother.

In a statement of his own, the Backstreet Boys singer—who served as a judge alongside Liam in the upcoming Netflix series Building the Band—said, "Words cannot begin to express the pain I have for this man and the great loss we have endured!"

"We became very close almost immediately and shared so many stories, laughs, and life experiences," he continued. "Gone too soon my friend. You were such a light an incredible person to be in the presence of daily while we worked together!"

AJ added, "I cannot believe you are gone. Keep shining and keep singing for us all to hear. My deepest condolences to your family , loved ones, and your bandmates. Love you bro."

In a post shared on his Instagram Story, the "See You Again" singer said Liam was "always so kind to me."

"He was one of the first major artists I got to work with," Charlie, who worked with the One Direction alum on 2017's "Bedroom Floor," continued. "I can not believe he is gone."

"This news is devastating, am lost for words," the X Factor runner-up wrote on Instagram. "We always had a good laugh when we saw each other, sometimes the catch ups were only short and sweet but when we did it was mostly about how annoyingly good his hair always looked, or our love for Becks, the old XF days and the tour we shared together."

The musician continued, "Liam shared the same passions as me, the same dreams so to see his life now end so young hits hard, I’m truly gutted and devastated for his Family and of course his son Bear losing a dad x am thinking of them! RIP Liam."

The "Without Me" singer shared a lengthy Tumblr post to commemorate the late One Direction member. 

"I loved one direction with an all-consuming force when i was younger—it hurts deeply to mourn someone you were a massive fan of as teenager, and became a peer of as an adult," she wrote. "I know people change and grief is unsure or complicated when it’s attached to a fond memory or the feeling a person gave you and not tangibly the person themself. I can see many of you on here are struggling with that right now and i understand."

And Halsey finished by sharing a fond memory of Liam. 

"A few years ago i purchased a home that Liam previously owned," she continued. "There were rumors the house was haunted. He assured me it was not, and i believed him. because i know the ghosts that haunt us aren’t tethered to buildings. They live in parts of us that are harder to reach and they go wherever we do. As a parent, a fellow artist, and a fan, I simply cannot fathom this untimely loss. my heart goes out to his family, friends, and the fans."

"I am deeply saddened by the loss of my friend Liam," the Vampire Diaries alum wrote on Instagram Story. "Such a tragedy. Far too young."

The rapper, who was featured on Liam's biggest solo hit "Strip that Down" wrote in an Oct. 16 Instagram Story tribute, "Rest in Paradise."

"This all feels so surreal," the guitar player—who toured with One Direction—wrote in an Oct. 16 Instagram Story. "Thanks to everyone reaching out, still trying to wrap my head around it all. My thoughts go out to Liam's family at this time."

The Rolling Stones member, who performed with One Direction on The X Factor UK in 2014, shared his condolences online. 

"I am shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Liam Payne," Ronnie wrote in an X, formerly Twitter, statement. "It was a pleasure to work with him on our X Factor performance. God bless Liam, thinking of all his loved ones. He will be dearly missed."

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