Liam Payne did not resign from the company on the day of his death

Contrary to multiple reports, particularly in the UK, Liam Payne likely did not resign from multiple companies on the day of his death.

Under British law, companies must report the death of directors to Companies House, the British business regulator, within two weeks. Although the Companies House website reports that Payne “resigned” from positions at four companies on October 16, the day he fell to his death in Buenos Aires, the website lists that he resigned on October 16. I received an electronic notice of Payne's “revocation of appointment” in October. 24.

Companies House explains the rule on its website. “By law, a company must inform us of any changes to the details of the managing directors within 14 days,” it says. “This also includes when a person is no longer a director because they have resigned, retired or unfortunately died.”

On October 24, papers were filed to terminate Payne's employment with Hampton Music Limited. However, Companies House does not reveal who filed the notice. Hampton Music is listed in the credits of Payne's hit single “Strip That Down.” It provides “performing arts support activities.” Payne took on the role of director in March 2015. A filing showed the company had a net asset deficit of £15,300 (just under $19,900). Daily Mail The company was reportedly worth £17,300 (around $22,500) last year.

Similarly, according to Companies House, documents were filed on the same day reporting his resignation (due to his death) from Hampton Publishing Limited, Long Play Touring LLP and Hampton Records Limited. He has held senior positions in limited companies and was a designated LLP member of Long Play Touring.

Hampton Publishing was founded in 2019 and was responsible for “sound recording and music publishing activities,” according to Companies House. The company valued itself at £729 (around $950) in its most recent filing.

Long Play Touring was founded in 2017 and handled Payne's touring business. The company was worth £135,000 (approximately $175,500) in 2022, but was worth £17,000 (just over $22,000) at the time of his death. Daily Mail reports that Payne had planned a tour in 2025.

Hampton Records Limited was founded in 2016 and was originally a company valued at £300,000 (approximately $390,000) in 2022 and was worth £75,000 (approximately $97,500) upon his resignation. This company owned the copyright to Payne's LP1 solo album, and it's featured on vinyl copies of the single “Teardrops” he released this year.

Companies House reports that Payne was also posthumously removed from his position as a director at Second Way Property LTD, which buys and sells properties. As of the company's last filing in March 2023, Payne was one of four directors. The company's net worth was just over 1.04 million pounds (just over $1.35 million). This resignation was submitted on October 30th after the others.

Payne died two weeks ago in a fall from a hotel balcony while on vacation in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Police have classified his death as a “questionable death” and are investigating what led to it. “We are heartbroken,” Payne’s family said in a statement following his death. “Liam will live in our hearts forever and we will remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul. We support each other as a family as best we can and ask for privacy and space during this terrible time.”