Rita Ora delivers emotional tribute to Liam Payne at MTV EMAs: ‘He left such a mark on this world’
Rita Ora honored the memory of the late Liam Payne during the MTV EMAs. (Getty)
Rita Ora paid a heartfelt tribute to Liam Payne during the MTV Europe Music Awards (MTV EMAs), only a few weeks after the 31-year-old One Direction star passed away.
While she was hosting the event in Manchester, England, on Sunday (November 10), the singer of "Let You Love Me" looked back on Payne's legacy and described him as “one of the kindest individuals I have ever known.”
Three individuals have been charged in connection with Payne's death, which occurred when he fell from a third-floor balcony at a hotel in Buenos Aires on October 16.
Ora, who collaborated with Payne on their popular 2018 song "For You" from the film Fifty Shades Freed, honored the late singer-songwriter during a poignant moment at the MTV EMAs.
The star started by saying, “I’d like to take a moment to honor someone who meant a lot to all of us,” she shared with the audience.
"We recently lost him, and he played a significant role in both the MTV scene and in my life. I believe many of you at home and everyone here tonight felt the same way."
Ora went on, clearly moved: "Liam Payne was one of the sweetest individuals I ever met. There were many ways we considered paying tribute to him, but sometimes just sharing our thoughts is more than sufficient."
"He was incredibly kind-hearted and always the first to lend a hand whenever someone needed assistance."
"He filled every space he entered with happiness and made a lasting impact on the world. So, let's pause for a moment to honor our friend," she wrapped up.
After Ora's speech, a video tribute to Payne was shown, which included a clip of One Direction's popular song "Night Changes" from 2014.
Notable figures from the music industry expressed their sympathy, while devastated fans initiated a petition urging for new laws to safeguard the mental health and wellness of artists in the spotlight.
At the awards ceremony, Swift took home four honors, including Best Artist, Best Video for her song “Fortnight” from The Tortured Poets Department, Best Live Act, and Best US Artist. Unfortunately, she was not there to accept the awards in person.
Swift is ready to kick off the final phase of her Eras Tour in Canada, and on Sunday, she was spotted at the Kansas City Chiefs versus Denver Broncos game, cheering for her boyfriend, Travis Kelce.
If this story resonates with you, please reach out to the National Bereavement Service at 0800 0246 121 if you're in the UK, or 0191 656 3201 if you're calling from another country. Their advisors are here to help from Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM, and on Saturday from 10 AM to 2 PM.
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