Katie Waissel, a former contestant on “The X Factor,” has openly criticized Simon Cowell. Waissel was part of the 2010 season alongside Liam Payne and One Direction, with the boyband securing third place and Waissel finishing in seventh.
Since her participation in the competition, Waissel has been outspoken about her experiences on the show. She has specifically criticized Simon Cowell and called for an investigation into Syco Music following the death of Liam Payne in 2024.
In a tweet following Payne’s passing, Waissel expressed her devastation, saying: “My heart is completely torn to shreds right now, I am at an absolute loss for words. If Simon Cowell dare put a statement out on the heart wrenching, tragic loss of my dear and darling friend Liam, he would be a fool. We all know the truth… and I’ll be sure it all comes out. #justiceforliam.”
Despite Waissel’s comments, Cowell did issue a tribute to Payne, describing himself as ‘devastated’ and ‘heartbroken.’
He later delved deeper into Payne’s death on the “Rolling Stone Music Now” podcast, addressing the blame directed at him. Cowell, 66, mentioned, “I don’t read any of this stuff because if I did, you would just torture yourself. The idea that you are essentially responsible for somebody’s life, ten years after you’ve signed someone? You can’t do that.”
Yet, Cowell acknowledged contemplating whether he could have done more for the singer, wondering about what might have happened to Liam if he wasn’t in the band.
In response to Cowell’s comments, Waissel has issued a stinging reply.
In her comprehensive statement, Waissel asserted: “I am writing in response to Simon Cowell’s recent remarks in Rolling Stone, in which he references the tragic loss of my friend and fellow 2010 X Factor contestant Liam Payne and reflects on his time overseeing the management of One Direction. While he expresses personal sadness and regret, his statements present a distorted and incomplete account of the reality experienced by many of us who were held via contract under his structures. It is important, ethically, legally, and journalistically — that a fuller picture is acknowledged.”
She further claimed Cowell engaged in ‘selective storytelling,’ noting: “When Liam passed away, the entire world saw my public reaction. It was not a reaction to fame, or grief alone, or the pressures of the music industry in general; it was a reaction rooted in first-hand experience of the duty-of-care failures, coercive pressures, and systemic harms that were present during our time under Cowell’s management umbrella.”
Waissel accused Cowell of presenting himself as ‘reflective, concerned, and wounded’ while failing to acknowledge the systemic pressures and harsh conditions faced by the artists, which she believes contributed to mental health struggles experienced by herself, Liam, and others.
Representatives for Cowell have been contacted for a comment.