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Roger Nores, a close friend of the late singer Liam Payne, has officially dropped his defamation lawsuit against Liam’s father, Geoff Payne. The case, which was originally filed over statements Geoff made to Argentine prosecutors following Liam’s tragic death in October 2024, has now been voluntarily dismissed, according to Rolling Stone.
Nores had previously claimed that Geoff’s sworn declarations unfairly portrayed him and held him responsible for Liam’s death, causing significant damage to his reputation, especially in Palm Beach County, Florida, where he resides. He sought over $10 million in damages, alleging the remarks had a serious impact on his personal and professional life in the U.S.
Despite the legal action and the tension it brought, Nores has now decided to walk away from the case. In an email to the attorney for Liam’s estate, Nores expressed that he harbors no resentment toward Geoff. He even recalled a touching moment from their time in Argentina, when Geoff asked him to never give up on Liam — a promise Nores says he kept until the very end.
“I would have done it 100 times over because I loved Liam with all my heart,” Nores wrote. “And I miss him every day.”
Liam Payne, known globally as a member of One Direction, passed away after a fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. Though Nores was investigated due to being present during Liam’s final days, he was cleared of any criminal wrongdoing and acquitted of an involuntary manslaughter charge.
With the lawsuit now closed and Nores publicly expressing forgiveness, it marks a possible step toward healing for those closest to Liam, following a deeply painful and public tragedy.