Two years before his tragic death, Liam Payne opened up in one of his most revealing interviews, speaking candidly about the struggles he faced after his time in One Direction.
In a conversation with YouTuber Logan Paul on his Impaulsive podcast, Payne discussed his battle with addiction, mental health challenges, and the pressures of fame that left him searching for stability.
During the interview, Payne reflected on how life after One Direction became a relentless pursuit to maintain significance in the public eye.
He admitted, "The whole thing got to that point of where it was just a scramble to stay relevant."
Payne's candid reflection revealed the immense pressure he felt trying to transition from boyband superstar to solo artist while struggling with personal issues.
He acknowledged that the constant scrutiny from the public and media only exacerbated his difficulties in finding balance.
Payne also opened up about the complicated dynamics within the band, sharing that tensions occasionally boiled over.
He recounted a particularly intense moment when one member threw him "up a wall" during an argument.
While he did not shy away from his feelings towards Zayn Malik, with whom he had a rocky relationship, Payne later regretted how he handled those emotions.
"I was so angry at what was going on around me," Payne admitted, expressing that instead of addressing his own struggles, he took out his frustrations on others.
He acknowledged that his harsh comments during the podcast stemmed from his internal battles and not from genuine dislike of his former bandmates.
Recovery and reflecting on his journey
Payne's interview with Logan Paul marked a turning point in his life. He shared that after the interview, he decided to seek help for his substance abuse issues and went to a rehab facility in Louisiana to "get his head straight."
By the time of the interview, he had already been sober for six months, and he expressed excitement about his newfound sobriety.
"I don't need those things anymore. Party's over," Payne declared, marking a hopeful step in his journey.
Payne's raw honesty about his struggles with fame, mental health, and addiction struck a chord with fans, showcasing a vulnerable side to the star that many had not seen before.
Reflecting on the impact of the interview, Payne acknowledged, "It was probably one of those life-changing moments that saved my life in a way."
Liam Payne passed away at the age of 31, just days after attending a concert by his former bandmate Niall Horan in Buenos Aires.
His untimely death serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges many face, even when they seem to have it all on the surface.