Simon Cowell in firing line after Payne’s death

Former X Factor stars are calling for an investigation to be launched into Simon Cowell’s record label following the singer’s death.

A spotlight has been shone on Simon Cowell and The X Factor following the death of Liam Payne, with former contestants calling for an investigation.

The 31-year-old British singer fell 45ft from the third floor of the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires and into the courtyard.

He was found dead at the scene.

His close pal and fellow former X Factor star, Katie Waissel, name-checked Cowell when paying tribute to Payne on social media.

She called for an urgent investigation into Cowell’s record label, which signed One Direction after being put together on the ITV competition series.

“The tragic loss of my dear friend Liam Payne highlights the urgent need for change in the music industry,” she wrote.

Katie Waissel appeared in the 2010 series of X Factor alongside Payne. Picture: Getty

Payne tragically died this week after falling from a hotel balcony. Picture: AAP

“I’m calling for an immediate investigation into SyCo Entertainment for negligence and breach of duty of care. Artists are not commodities, and their wellbeing must be prioritised. “We need new laws to protect the safety and mental health of all in the industry. NO MORE PROFIT OVER PEOPLE. Let Liam’s story spark the reform we desperately need.”

She went on to reference a recent interview of Cowell’s where the music mogul claimed his biggest regret was not owning the trademark for One Direction, which had left him unable to continue making money from the band.

“There are those who had a responsibility to provide the care and support necessary for the well-being of young artists, but too often, the focus remained on profits rather than the people.

‘This industry has treated talent like commodities, and the negligence of duty of care has once again led to a heart-wrenching loss.

Cowell’s label has faced criticism over its duty of care to artists. Photo: Cameron Smith/Getty Images.

“We need only look at Simon Cowell’s recent interview with Steven Bartlett, where he admits his greatest regret was not owning the band’s name.

She added: “The real regret should be the failure to prioritise the emotional and physical welfare of the artists who put their trust in these institutions. Contracts, whether they are for television shows or record deals, come with a legal and moral duty of care that must be upheld.”

Fellow X Factor star Rebecca Ferguson also laid blame on Payne’s rise to fame on the show in a similar social media statement.

“I can’t help but think of that boy who was hopeful and looking forward to his bright future ahead. If he hadn’t jumped on that train and jumped in that taxi [to audition] I believe he would be alive today.

“I’ve spoken for years about the exploitation and profiteering of young stars and the effects – many of us are still living with the aftermath and the PTSD [post traumatic stress disorder],” she added.

Originally published as Simon Cowell in firing line after Payne’s death