Howie Mandel got into a fiery on-air dispute with “The X Factor” alum Katie Waissel over claims the singing competition show played a role in Liam Payne’s mental health decline and his untimely death.
The tiff set off after the judge on “America’s Got Talent” — which like “The X Factor” was created by Simon Cowell — attempted to dismiss any blame from the talent shows in a sneak peek clip from the “Piers Morgan Uncensored” segment, set to air on YouTube later Tuesday.
“When it comes to participants on those types of shows myself … there is a legal and moral duty of care, which should be upheld and adhered to,” said Waissel, who competed during Season 7 of the UK competition series with Payne in 2010.
Mandel then interjected, saying he believed that everyone — not just those who work in production — has a “moral and legal duty to take care of those people that we come across in life.”
Meanwhile, fellow panelist James Barr got heated over the comedian’s response, and chimed in, “You are on the payroll! … The entertainment industry and the shows you work for are also responsible.”
Mandel continued to disagree, arguing that shows like the ones he’s worked on have psychologists on staff.
“If we feel that somebody is going south, there is somebody there to talk to them and we do watch over them,” he added. He also claimed contestants who have a “harder” time are those who are “rejected.”
A source also confirms to Page Six that Fremantle Limited, the production company behind the series, provided a psychologist and doctor throughout the series, and aftercare support was always available.
Waissel alleged in response, however, that “no duty of care” was upheld when she was on the show, claiming the welfare officer at that time was “absolutely unqualified beyond measure.”
Page Six has reached out to Simon Cowell, his Syco Entertainment company and the creators of “The X Factor” for comment but did not immediately hear back.
Payne first competed on the UK version of ”The X Factor” in 2008, and while he made it past auditions at the time, he did not make it onto the live shows.
Then in 2010, he competed again when One Direction was formed with fellow competitors Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson and Niall Horan. They placed third but catapulted to stardom shortly after.
A staffer recently told Page Six Payne’s troubles really began after he and his bandmates left the show.
“Liam moved to the US. He had no friends. He was surrounded by ‘yes’ men and no one knew how to say no to him,” the insider claimed. “He was so far from what really matters — and not realizing how f–ked up he was.”
Over the years, Payne spiraled into drug addiction and even went to rehab in 2023 to try and get help.
However, the “Story of My Life” singer relapsed leading up to his death. His toxicology report revealed Monday that he had multiple drugs in his system, including pink cocaine and crack, when he died.
According to eyewitnesses at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel, where he had been staying as a guest earlier this month, Payne exhibited “erratic” behavior, such as smashing a laptop in a hotel lobby.
Drugs the “Night Changes” singer allegedly took are known to cause hallucinations and psychotic attacks.
On the evening of Oct. 16, Payne tragically fell to his death from the third-floor balcony of his hotel room.
He died from the multiple traumas, internal and external bleeding he sustained due to the fall.
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Cowell, 65, has not addressed the controversy surrounding his hit show — which aired for 15 seasons from 2004 to 2018 — but shared last week he was “devastated” over Payne’s death.
“Heartbroken. And I feel empty,” he added. “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.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.
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