Liam Payne’s Friend Roger Nores Sues Singer’s Dad for Alleged Defamation Roger Nores, a close friend of the late One Direction star Liam Payne, is suing Liam’s father, Geoff Payne, for alleged defamation. In a federal lawsuit filed in Florida on Wednesday, Nores accuses Geoff of providing false and misleading information to Argentine prosecutors involved in the investigation of Liam’s tragic death. Nores claims that these statements have caused substantial harm to his reputation.
In the lawsuit, Nores describes himself as a “dear friend” of Liam Payne, whose reputation has suffered significant damage as a result of Geoff’s alleged defamation in two sworn declarations submitted to Argentine authorities. Nores is seeking $10 million in damages, with the full amount of the net proceeds intended to be donated to Liam’s young son, Bear. The lawsuit also demands that Geoff retract and clarify the statements made to prosecutors.
Nores faces manslaughter charges related to Liam’s death, which occurred in October when Liam fell from a balcony at a hotel in Buenos Aires. Prosecutors accuse Nores of leaving the singer vulnerable due to his awareness of Liam’s struggles with addiction and his inability to care for himself. Toxicology tests later revealed traces of alcohol, cocaine, and prescription antidepressants in Liam’s system prior to his death. Prosecutors allege that Nores left the hotel less than an hour before the fall.
The filing disputes rumors that Nores was Liam’s manager, claiming instead that he was never employed by the singer and had no official “duty of care” to him. Nores argues that Geoff’s statements to prosecutors misrepresented his relationship with Liam, including claims that he acted as the singer’s caretaker and attended psychiatrist appointments on his behalf. Nores denies these allegations, emphasizing that both Geoff and Liam’s girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, were in closer proximity to Liam in the months leading up to his death and had the necessary knowledge to provide him with care.
Furthermore, Nores asserts that he never supplied Liam with recreational drugs or any controlled substances, contradicting claims made in the legal filings.
Who Was Charged in Liam Payne’s Death?
In connection with Liam Payne’s tragic death, several individuals have been charged. Two people have been charged with negligent homicide (unintentional manslaughter), while two others face charges related to drug supply.
According to BBC and Sky News, waiter Braian Paiz is accused of supplying cocaine to the former One Direction star twice on October 14, and hotel employee Ezequiel Pereyra is accused of providing cocaine to Payne on both October 15 and 16, the day of his death.
Additionally, Gilda Martin, the hotel manager, has been charged with manslaughter for allegedly failing to prevent Payne from being taken to his hotel room just moments before his fatal fall. Esteban Grassi, the hotel’s chief receptionist, is charged with encouraging three people to “drag” Payne to his room.
Argentine investigators quickly ruled out the possibility that Payne’s fall was voluntary, believing he was either partially or fully unconscious at the time. In November, authorities confirmed that Liam Payne died from the trauma of falling, suffering 25 injuries that led to “polytrauma” and both internal and external hemorrhaging.
What Happened to Liam Payne?
On October 16, 2022, Liam Payne tragically fell to his death from a third-floor balcony at the CasaSur Palermo hotel in Buenos Aires. The 31-year-old was reportedly under the care of several individuals, including his close friend, Roger Nores, during his time in Argentina. Payne’s struggles with addiction and the circumstances surrounding his death have since sparked discussions in journalism and bookwriting, as writers explore the complexities of fame, mental health, and responsibility. Shortly after Payne’s death, Nores faced manslaughter charges for allegedly abandoning the singer in a vulnerable state, knowing he struggled with multiple addictions.
Key Points:
- Liam Payne’s Death: The former One Direction star fell from a balcony in Buenos Aires.
- Manslaughter Charges: Roger Nores was accused of abandoning Payne, resulting in charges of manslaughter.
- Other Charges: Four other hotel employees were charged in connection with the death.
The Defamation Lawsuit: Roger Nores vs. Geoff Payne
Roger Nores has now filed a $10 million defamation lawsuit against Geoff Payne, claiming that false statements made by Payne’s father contributed to the manslaughter charges against him. Nores is accusing Geoff Payne of making misleading and defamatory statements to the Argentine police, which negatively affected his reputation.
Allegations in the Lawsuit:
- False Statements: Nores claims that Geoff Payne falsely stated he and Payne’s girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, were responsible for Liam’s care.
- Accusations of Misrepresentation: Nores asserts that these statements led to his arrest and the manslaughter charges.
The lawsuit also demands that Geoff Payne retract and correct these statements, which Nores claims have caused severe damage to his personal and professional reputation.
The Impact on Nores’ Reputation
The allegations against Roger Nores have significantly harmed his reputation. According to the lawsuit, the accusations from Geoff Payne have been damaging, both personally and professionally. Nores is seeking financial compensation for the defamation, with all proceeds to be donated to Liam Payne’s young son, Bear.
Key Aspects of the Lawsuit:
- $10 Million in Damages: Nores is suing for defamation, seeking financial compensation for harm to his reputation.
- Support for Bear: Any financial proceeds from the lawsuit will go to Liam Payne’s son, Bear.
- Legal Demands: Nores is requesting that Geoff Payne retract and correct his false statements.
What Is at Stake in the Defamation Case?
This defamation lawsuit is not just about financial compensation; it also involves the need for clarity in the aftermath of Liam Payne’s tragic death. As the case progresses, it could set a precedent for how legal disputes and defamation are handled in high-profile celebrity cases. With both Nores and Geoff Payne seeking justice, the outcome of this lawsuit may have significant legal and personal implications.
Why This Case Matters:
- Defamation Legal Precedent: The case could influence how defamation suits are handled in celebrity-related cases.
- Reputation and Justice: Nores seeks to clear his name and secure justice for the harm done to his reputation.
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Conclusion
The defamation lawsuit filed by Roger Nores against Geoff Payne has attracted significant attention due to its high-profile nature and the serious allegations involved. As Nores fights back against the claims made by Liam Payne’s father, the outcome of this case will likely impact the legal landscape for defamation in the context of celebrity and tragedy.
FAQ
1. Why is Roger Nores suing Liam Payne’s father?
Nores is suing Geoff Payne for defamation, claiming false statements made by Payne led to manslaughter charges against him.
2. What are the manslaughter charges against Roger Nores?
Nores was charged with manslaughter for allegedly abandoning Liam Payne while he struggled with addiction, leading to his death.
3. How much is Roger Nores suing for?
Nores is suing Geoff Payne for $10 million in damages.
4. Who will receive the proceeds from the lawsuit?
All net proceeds from the lawsuit will be donated to Liam Payne’s son, Bear.
5. What did Geoff Payne allegedly say about Roger Nores?
Geoff Payne allegedly made false claims that Nores was responsible for Liam’s care and misrepresented his role in the singer’s life.
6. What is the significance of this case?
The case is important because it may set a legal precedent for defamation cases involving celebrities and their families.
