Lawsuit Filed by Liam Payne’s Friend Against His Father Over Defamation Claims
Rogelio “Roger” Nores, a close friend of the late Liam Payne, has taken legal action against the singer’s father, Geoff Payne, alleging defamation following Liam’s tragic passing. Nores, who was close to Liam, filed the lawsuit three months after the singer’s death, accusing Geoff of making false and harmful statements regarding Liam’s death in an official statement to Argentine authorities. These statements, Nores claims, implied that he was responsible for Liam’s care and that he had supplied the singer with drugs. Nores strongly denies these accusations, stating that he was a friend, not a caregiver.
Nores has revealed that he plans to donate any financial compensation from the lawsuit to Liam’s son, Bear. In an interview, Nores expressed his sadness over the situation, emphasizing that Geoff knows well that he was not Liam’s nurse or caretaker. According to Nores, Liam was an independent individual who made his own choices, and he, as a friend, was not responsible for any of the events leading to his tragic death.
The lawsuit also mentions that while Geoff made these statements to Argentine authorities, they were accessible in other regions, particularly in Palm Beach County, Florida, where the claims caused harm. Nores’s legal action seeks to rectify the damage caused by the false information and protect his reputation. Geoff’s statements, according to Nores, were damaging and caused him significant distress.
Following Liam’s tragic death on October 16, 2024, in Buenos Aires after falling from a hotel balcony, an autopsy revealed the presence of multiple drugs in his system. The authorities charged Nores, along with several hotel staff members, with manslaughter, accusing them of failing to intervene in a timely manner to prevent the tragedy. Nores has repeatedly denied these charges and maintains his innocence.
In addition to his lawsuit, Nores sent a retraction request to Geoff’s attorneys in early January 2025, but Liam’s estate rejected it. The estate’s response accused Nores of attempting to influence the investigation and further stated their intention to support Geoff in the matter. Nores remains adamant about clearing his name and hopes the legal proceedings will allow for justice in the wake of Liam’s untimely death.