AJ McLean Sensed Something Was Wrong, Texted Liam Payne The Day Before He Died
By Kelly Coffey-Behrens on November 1, 2024 at 4:00 PM EDT
Backstreet Boys star AJ McLean recently shared a heartfelt moment that occurred just one day before the tragic passing of his friend, singer Liam Payne. McLean revealed that he felt compelled to reach out to Payne after sensing something was wrong, especially as they hadn’t spoken for nearly two weeks.
The two formed a close bond during the filming of the upcoming Netflix series "Building the Band," where they, along with Nicole Scherzinger and Kelly Rowland, worked closely together for six weeks. During the project, Payne and McLean quickly became friends, with McLean describing their connection as a meaningful one built on shared experiences both on and off the set.
AJ McLean’s concerns came to a head a day before Liam Payne’s death, prompting him to send a check-in message after noticing their recent lapse in communication.
AJ McLean Texted Liam Payne The Day Before His Passing
The 46-year-old Backstreet Boys member said he reached out to Payne with a simple yet heartfelt message: “Hey man, are you good?” according to McLean’s recent interview with the Los Angeles Times.
McLean shared with the publication that he felt the need to check in with Payne after realizing they hadn’t spoken for nearly two weeks. The two had developed a close friendship while working together on the upcoming Netflix series, "Building the Band," where they bonded over shared struggles and life experiences.
The series' future remains uncertain in the wake of Payne’s unexpected passing.
AJ McLean Recalls Speaking 'Candidly' About Sobriety With The Late One Direction Member
According to McLean, he and Payne often communicated through WhatsApp, where they supported each other and connected over their personal challenges with substance abuse, which deepened their friendship, making McLean’s final message to Payne all the more poignant.
“[We spoke] candidly about sobriety, sharing stories and one-upping each other. We could laugh about it all,” McLean reflected. “Because if you’re still there to talk about it, that means you’re moving in a good direction.”
Last month, news emerged that the former One Direction singer tragically fell from a third-floor balcony in Buenos Aires, resulting in his untimely death at age 31.
AJ McLean Says Liam Payne Didn't Respond To His Message
McLean said he felt like a “very older brother” to Payne and wanted to be there for him.
“I can torture my brain about ‘Why didn’t he respond?’ But I get it,” McLean continued. “I just hope people remember him the way he was — a massive heart and a massive talent.”
As more information emerges about Payne’s death, McLean admitted he’s uncertain if the world will ever fully understand what the One Direction singer was experiencing in the time leading up to his passing.
“I feel like there will never be a definitive answer as to why this happened. That’s the most painful thing to sit with. Why now? Why this way?” he revealed. “But there’s no rhyme or reason when you’re hurting and looking for escape.”
AJ McLean Is Still Processing Liam Payne's Death
A preliminary autopsy indicated that Payne sustained multiple “severe” injuries from the fall. Reports also revealed the presence of substances in his system, including “pink cocaine”—a mixture of methamphetamine, ketamine, and MDMA—as well as other drugs.
“Liam was a friend. We had just finished filming a TV show together,” McLean told TMZ in October. “We spent six weeks together, and you know, it’s absolutely tragic. I’m still processing it, I’m sure as well as his family and friends and bandmates. It’s absolutely tragic, and my thoughts and prayers go out to everyone — the family, his bandmates, to the fans.
Liam Payne Reportedly Fainted Before Fatal Fall in Buenos Aires
According to Argentinian journalist Paula Varela, security footage reportedly shows that Payne fainted before accidentally falling to his death on October 16. Varela, appearing on "Socios del Espectáculo" on Buenos Aires’ Canal 13, disclosed that CCTV captured Payne’s fatal fall along with the moments leading up to the tragic incident.
“There is footage that is not being released to the media with the balcony scene where you see that Liam faints, and tragically because of where he is, falls from that balcony. If he had been beside his bed, he would have fallen on his bed,” Varela said on the show, per The Mirror. “It’s not that he jumped deliberately. This footage is in the official case files.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
