A campaign to establish a new law aimed at safeguarding artists’ mental well-being has gained over 24,000 supporters following the death of Liam Payne. The former member of One Direction passed away on October 16 after an incident at a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
In a 2019 conversation with Men’s Health Australia, Payne characterized his swift ascent to stardom as ‘a little bit toxic’. He was transparent about his battle with alcohol and had spent 100 days in rehab last year. He shared with fans on YouTube his concern about becoming ‘somebody who I didn’t really recognize anymore’.
Sharon Osbourne, who served as a judge on The X Factor—the show that initially brought Payne to prominence—expressed her sorrow about the 31-year-old’s death and questioned the industry’s presence when he needed support.
Osbourne lamented on Instagram: “Liam, my heart aches. We all let you down. […] You were just a kid when you entered one of the toughest industries in the world. Who was in your corner?”
Following this, a petition was started on Change.org to highlight the ‘enormous pressure’ faced by artists in the entertainment sector, celebrated for its ‘glamour and stardom’, and its impact on their mental health.
The petition states: “Resultant issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, substance misuse and even suicide are alarmingly high. According to research, performers are two-three times more likely to suffer from these issues compared to the general population.”
The appeal insists that given Payne’s ‘tragic death’ and ‘many others’, the entertainment industry must be held accountable for the well-being of its artists. It urges lawmakers to implement legislation to safeguard the mental health of artists.
The proposed law would require regular mental health evaluations, sufficient rest periods, and access to mental health professionals on set, as well as ongoing support throughout their careers. This initiative aims to foster a healthier work environment, reducing psychological stress for artists.
The petition also emphasizes the importance of early interventions to protect artists and points out the troubling increase in the number of musicians dying before the age of 35. It calls for immediate action to change this trend. The role of artists is crucial not only in entertainment but also in society, so ensuring their protection and well-being is vital.
It concludes with a call to action: “Your signature could be a lifeline for these talented individuals, contributing to a larger movement of mental health awareness and care in industries worldwide. Please, sign the petition. #LiamsLaw.”
Currently, the petition has over 24,000 signatures, with the next milestone being 25,000.
For those who have experienced a bereavement and seek confidential support, contact The Compassionate Friends at (877) 969-0010.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available through Mental Health America. You can talk or text 988 for 24/7 crisis support, or use their webchat service at 988lifeline.org. Additionally, the Crisis Text Line can be reached by texting MHA to 741741.