Liam Payne’s tragic death has now led to the arrest of Braian Nahuel Paiz, an Argentinian waiter, who is accused of allegedly supplying cocaine to the former One Direction star hours before his fatal fall.
Paiz, 27, was taken into custody on January 3, after charges were filed by Argentina’s National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor’s Office. If convicted, Paiz could face a prison sentence ranging from 4 to 15 years.
Payne, 31, tragically died on October 16 after falling from his hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. Authorities later revealed that traces of alcohol, pink cocaine, and a prescription antidepressant were found in his system, suggesting a combination of substances that contributed to his death.
Paiz has strongly denied the accusations, admitting that he used drugs with Payne but claiming that he did not provide them to the singer. Paiz, who has long been a devoted fan of One Direction, stated that he respected Payne and had a friendly relationship with him. According to Paiz, their interactions were cordial, involving long conversations about various topics, and they even discussed meeting for a private encounter. Paiz’s lawyer, Fernando Madeo Facente, appeared on an Argentinian talk show, El Diario de Mariana, where he defended his client, stating that their bond was based on mutual respect.
In addition to Paiz, manslaughter charges have been filed against five others, including the hotel manager, receptionist, and a close friend of Payne, who are accused of failing to assist Payne in his vulnerable condition before his death.
Prosecutors have claimed that Paiz supplied cocaine to Payne on two separate occasions on October 14, just two days before the fatal fall. Despite these claims, Paiz’s legal team continues to assert his innocence.
Payne’s death shocked fans worldwide, with tributes pouring in from across the globe. He was laid to rest on November 20, with his girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, and former One Direction bandmates—Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, and Niall Horan—among those who attended the funeral.