Who Is Kate Cassidy? All About Liam Payne’s Girlfriend

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Liam Payne’s girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, returned home from Argentina just days before the former One Direction star tragically died, falling from the third floor of his Buenos Aires hotel. The singer and influencer first crossed paths in October 2022 at a bar in Charleston, South Carolina, where Kate was working. Over their two-year relationship, they shared red-carpet moments and romantic getaways, with Liam capturing their final days together on Snapchat.

Who Is Kate Cassidy? Everything to Know About Liam Payne’s Girlfriend

Liam Payne was dating girlfriend Kate Cassidy for two years before his death at age 31. The couple had been vacationing in Argentina before the One Direction alum’s fatal fall from a hotel balcony.

Liam Payne had a whole lot of history with his girlfriend Kate Cassidy.

Not only was she one of the last people he spent time with before his tragic death on Oct. 16, but the 25-year-old had been a huge fan of his pop group One Direction before the two started dating.

“I am the best manifester,” Kate shared in a TikTok video last year, explaining how she once painted a portrait of Liam on a popsicle stick at the height of her fandom.

After panning the camera to show Liam in the childhood bedroom where she “literally drew” the artwork, Kate quipped, “Be careful what you wish for.”

And since striking up a romance with the “What Makes You Beautiful” singer in 2022, the two were inseparable. She was by his side at numerous red carpet events and he often appeared in her TikTok videos.

In fact, Kate even got to know Liam’s close friends through the years—including his former bandmate Louis Tomlinson.

“It was so nice to meet you finally” Kate wrote to Louis on Instagram in March 2023, after she and Liam attended the premiere of his All of Those Voices documentary. “Well done on such a beautiful film that everybody will love.”

She added at the time, “What a crazy eye opening experience!”

To get to know Kate, keep reading…

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Who is Liam Payne’s girlfriend Kate Cassidy?

Kate is an influencer with almost one million followers on Instagram and TikTok combined. She attended Northern Valley Regional High School at Old Tappan in New Jersey, according to her social media accounts, before graduating from Coastal Carolina University in South Carolina in 2021.

When did Liam Payne started dating Kate Cassidy?

The late One Direction singer was first romantically linked to Kate in October 2022, when they were spotted at a Halloween party together dressed as ’90s couple Tommy Lee and Pamela anderson, respectively. They made their red carpet debut together at the British Fashion Awards in December of that year.

How old is Liam Payne’s girlfriend Kate Cassidy?

Kate turned 25 in March 2024. She marked the milestone birthday by sharing photos of herself holding a white cake topped with cherries, writing on Instagram, “happy to be 25.”

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Who did Liam Payne date before Kate Cassidy?

Prior to his romance with Kate, Liam dated Maya Henry. The two first went public with their relationship in 2019, before announcing their engagement the following year. They called it quits in May 2022.

Liam was romantically involved with former The X Factor judge Cheryl Cole from 2016 to 2018. The two share son Bear Grey Payne, who was born in March 2017.

In the past, Liam had also been linked to dancer Danielle Peazer and his childhood sweetheart Sophia Smith.

What has Liam Payne said about dating Kate Cassidy?

Having spent much his teenage years in the spotlight with the public fixated on his love life, Liam kept many details about his relationship with Kate private. However, when he received an Instagram DM in December 2022 accusing Kate of dating him for his money, Liam quickly came to her defense.

“Gotta say you could tell me anything and I couldn’t be turned,” he wrote in response, per the Daily Mail. “I’ve never felt a love like I do for Katelyn. We make each other better people.”

He added, “If it was just for the money I’d give her all of it. It’s not though (please remember I’m hella sexy) and I know I’m fun and a loveable person. And I don’t give a f–k to say that for the first time in my life I’m happy to be me and that’s priceless.”

Instagram/Kate Cassidy

Did Liam Payne and Kate Cassidy break up before his death?

Though breakup speculation surfaced in May 2023, the two were still dating in the days leading up to Liam’s death. Kate had been with the “Strip That Down” artist in Argentina for vacation, but flew back to the United States four days before he fatally fell from a third floor hotel room.

What were Liam Payne and Kate Cassidy doing in Argentina before he died?

The couple were vacationing in Buenos Aires together. In the two weeks before his death, Liam and Kate caught a Niall Horan concert, as well as a performance from Paul McCartney.

Instagram/Kate Cassidy

Why did Kate Cassidy leave Liam Payne in Argentina before his death?

“Honestly, love South America but I hate staying in one place for too long,” Kate explained in an Oct. 14 TikTok video, which documented her trip back to Florida. “And we were supposed to be there for, like, five days, turned into two weeks.”

So, according to the TikToker, she was “ready to leave” and spend some time back at home.

“I was so happy to be home,” Kate added in her TikTok video. “It was so relieving.”

What has Kate Cassidy said about Liam Payne’s death?

Kate yet to speak out about Liam’s death. However, many of his friends have publicly shared their condolences, including Liam’s former bandmates Louis, Niall, Zayn Malik and Harry Styles.

“We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing,” they said in a joint statement posted to One Direction’s Instagram Oct. 17. “In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly.”

See more tributes to Liam below…

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Harry Styles

“I am truly devastated by Liam’s passing,” Harry began in his Instagram post. “His greatest joy was making other people happy, and it was an honour to be alongside him as he did it.”

“Liam lived wide open, with his heart on his sleeve, he had an energy for life that was infectious,” he added of his legacy. “He was warm, supportive, and incredibly loving. The years we spent together will forever remain among the most cherished years of my life. I will miss him always, my lovely friend.”

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Zayn Malik

Liam’s former One Direction bandmate reflected on all he wished he could have said to him.

“I can’t help but think selfishly that there was so many more conversations for us to have in our lives,” Zayn wrote on Instagram. “I never got to thank you for supporting me through some of the most difficult times in my life. When I was missing home as a 17 yr old kid you would always be there with a positive outlook and reassuring smile and let me know you were my friend and that I was loved.”

“Even though you were younger than me you were always more sensible than me, you were headstrong, opinionated, and gave no f–ks about telling people when they were wrong,” he continued. “Even though we butted heads because of this a few times,I always secretly respected you for it.”

Zayn also called Liam “the most qualified” musician in the band “in every sense.”

“I lost a brother when you left us and can’t explain to you what I’d give to just give you a hug one last time and say goodbye to you properly and tell you that I loved and respected you dearly,” he wrote. “[I] will cherish all the memories I have with you in my heart forever, there is no words that justify or explain how I feel right now other than beyond devastated.”

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Louis Tomlinson

Louis shared a lengthy statement to his own Instagram, commemorating Liam’s legacy and his friendship.

“I am beyond devastated to be writing this but yesterday I lost a brother,” Louis wrote. “Liam was somebody I looked up to everyday, such a positive, funny, and kind soul. I first met Liam when he was 16 and I was 18, I was instantly amazed by his voice but more importantly as time went on I got the chance to see the kind of brother I’d longed all my life for.”

The “Back To You” singer—who cowrote many One Direction songs with Liam—continued to note Liam’s impact on the band.

“Liam was an incredible song writer with a great sense of melody, we often spoke of getting back into the studio together to try and recreate the writing chemistry we had built up in the band,” he added. “And for the record, Liam was in my opinion the most vital part of One Direction. His experience from a young age, his perfect pitch, his stage presence, his gift for writing. The list goes on. Thank you for shaping us Liam.”

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One Direction

“We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing,” the band wrote in a joint statement on Instagram. “In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly.”

Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry continued to emphasize the impact Liam had on their lives.

“The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever,” the statement added. “For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us. We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam.”

Liam Payne’s family

“We are heartbroken,” Liam’s family, including mom Karen, dad Geoff, and sisters Ruth and Nicola, told the BBC. “Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul. We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time.”

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Jade Thirlwall

“The news of Liam’s passing is truly devastating,” The Little Mix member wrote in an Oct. 17 Instagram Story. “Sending so much love to his family, friends, fans, loved ones and all who knew him.”

Jade—who competed on The X Factor UK alongside Perrie Edwards, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jesy Nelson in 2011 as Little Mix—also shared a memory of coming up in the industry with Liam.

“We fell out of touch as the years went by,” Jade continued. “But back in 2008 he was the first friend I made in this industry. Both of us so young, so ambitious, both hoping we’d ‘make it.’ I hope you are at peace now.”

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Camila Cabello

The Fifth Harmony alum, who collaborated with Liam for a 2018 mixtape, thanked the late singer for “for all the joy you brought my friends and i.”

“It really made an impression on me as a young girl to meet a member of a group i loved and have him be so kind,” she wrote on Instagram Story. “it’s a tragedy to have him gone way too soon.”

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Steve Aoki

“I’ll miss u dear friend. It’s so difficult to write this out,” the DJ wrote in an Oct. 17 Instagram post. “Doesn’t make sense, I can’t believe you’re gone brother. We had so many amazing memories together on and off the stage. A true legend and a kinder soul with a heart of gold. Miss u my brother.”

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*NSYNC

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Liam Payne,” the boy band shared to their offical account’s Instagram Story. “Our hearts go out to his family, friends and fans during this difficult time.”

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JC Chasez

The former *NSYNC member, who collaborated with the One Direction star on his last solo single “Teardrops,” shared a tribute to Liam on Instagram, “I will miss you my friend—my heart is with your family.”

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Rita Ora

“I’m devastated,” the singer, who sang with Liam on the single “For You,” wrote on X, formerly Twitter Oct. 17. “He had the kindest soul, I will never forget. I loved working with him so much—he was just such a joy to be around on and off stage. This tragic news breaks my heart. Sending all my love and prayers to his family and loved ones. Our song For You takes on a whole new meaning for me now. R.I.P.”

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James Corden

The former Late Late host, who was a longtime friend and fan of the British boy band, wrote in an Instagram post.

“Talking about Liam in the past tense is utterly heartbreaking,” he wrote. “He was such a loving and kind soul. I will treasure the moments I got to spend with him. My thoughts are with his family today x.”

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Backstreet Boys

The boy band—made up of Nick Carter, AJ McLean, Brian Littrell, Kevin Richardson and Howie Dorough—shared their condolences.

“Words can not express the emotions we are collectively feeling right now, and it seems like the rest of the world is in the same boat,” the statement on X, formerly Twitter, said. “Our hearts go out to Liam’s family, friends, and Directioners around the world. Rest in peace brother.

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AJ McLean

In a statement of his own, the Backstreet Boys singer—who served as a judge alongside Liam in the upcoming Netflix series Building the Band—said, “Words cannot begin to express the pain I have for this man and the great loss we have endured!”

“We became very close almost immediately and shared so many stories, laughs, and life experiences,” he continued. “Gone too soon my friend. You were such a light an incredible person to be in the presence of daily while we worked together!”

AJ added, “I cannot believe you are gone. Keep shining and keep singing for us all to hear. My deepest condolences to your family , loved ones, and your bandmates. Love you bro.”

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Charlie Puth

In a post shared on his Instagram Story, the “See You Again” singer said Liam was “always so kind to me.”

“He was one of the first major artists I got to work with,” Charlie, who worked with the One Direction alum on 2017’s “Bedroom Floor,” continued. “I can not believe he is gone.”

 

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Olly Murs

“This news is devastating, am lost for words,” the X Factor runner-up wrote on Instagram. “We always had a good laugh when we saw each other, sometimes the catch ups were only short and sweet but when we did it was mostly about how annoyingly good his hair always looked, or our love for Becks, the old XF days and the tour we shared together.”

The musician continued, “Liam shared the same passions as me, the same dreams so to see his life now end so young hits hard, I’m truly gutted and devastated for his Family and of course his son Bear losing a dad x am thinking of them! RIP Liam.”

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Halsey

The “Without Me” singer shared a lengthy Tumblr post to commemorate the late One Direction member.

“I loved one direction with an all-consuming force when i was younger—it hurts deeply to mourn someone you were a massive fan of as teenager, and became a peer of as an adult,” she wrote. “I know people change and grief is unsure or complicated when it’s attached to a fond memory or the feeling a person gave you and not tangibly the person themself. I can see many of you on here are struggling with that right now and i understand.”

And Halsey finished by sharing a fond memory of Liam.

“A few years ago i purchased a home that Liam previously owned,” she continued. “There were rumors the house was haunted. He assured me it was not, and i believed him. because i know the ghosts that haunt us aren’t tethered to buildings. They live in parts of us that are harder to reach and they go wherever we do. As a parent, a fellow artist, and a fan, I simply cannot fathom this untimely loss. my heart goes out to his family, friends, and the fans.”

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Paul Wesley

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of my friend Liam,” the Vampire Diaries alum wrote on Instagram Story. “Such a tragedy. Far too young.”