Will.i.am “Praying for the Spirit” of Liam Payne Seven Months After Tragic Death
Asuir, Benue, Nigeria – Musician will.i.am has spoken of “praying for the spirit” of Liam Payne, seven months after the tragic death of the One Direction star. Payne passed away in October 2024 at the age of 31 following a fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Speaking at the 11th Breakthrough Prize ceremony, the former Black Eyed Peas frontman remembered the late singer and acknowledged the profound impact of his passing on his loved ones. Will.i.am stated that he keeps Liam, along with his former partner Cheryl and their eight-year-old son Bear, in his thoughts and prayers.
“I pray for Cheryl and her kid. I pray for Liam’s spirit and his family,” the “Scream and Shout” hitmaker told The Mirror.
During the event, will.i.am also voiced his concerns about the negative aspects of social media algorithms, suggesting that platforms often amplify negativity and hate. He argued that these algorithms need to be made more “mindful,” especially with the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence.
“The place that is seeded with the most hate is the algorithm,” will.i.am asserted. “If the algorithm amplifies hate, that means people are going to be the worst and say the worst. It’s what we do on these platforms that scars and is weaponised to bring the worst out of everyone.”
He emphasized the unique emotional capacity of humans, something he believes AI will never truly replicate. “And one thing AI is not going to do is express and rinse out emotions. It’s not going to love. It gives you the illusion that it does. It could simulate love, but it’s not going to love,” he explained. “And so people are concerned and worried, but they’re forgetting our secret sauce. They’re forgetting our humanity and what makes us us.”
Will.i.am’s heartfelt comments come as the seven-month mark since Liam Payne’s untimely death approaches, highlighting the lasting impact the young star had on the music industry and those around him. His words serve as a poignant reminder of the human element amidst discussions of technology and the importance of compassion and remembrance.