LIAM Payne’s grieving father is facing a $10 million defamation lawsuit filed by a friend of his late son, Rogelio “Roger” Nores, who has been charged with manslaughter over his death.
Argentinian businessman Nores claims he has been scapegoated for the tragic death of the One Direction star last October.
10
Liam Payne’s grieving father Geoff has been sued for $10 million for defamationCredit: Getty
10
The former 1D star tragically passed away last October in Buenos AiresCredit: AFP
10
Liam Payne (left) goes out for dinner with friend Roger Nores (right) and his dad Geoff (back right) Credit: BackGrid
10
Roger Nores (left) pictured with Liam and his girlfriend Kate Cassidy
He was one of the last people to see the 31-year-old singer alive before he fell to his death from the third-floor balcony of the Casa Sur Palermo hotel in Buenos Aires.
The lawsuit, filed in Palm Beach, Florida, comes after the multi-millionaire was charged with manslaughter, the Spanish equivalent of manslaughter, over Liam’s tragic death.
Judge Laura Bruniard accused Nores of “abandoning him [Liam] fortunately for himself knowing that he is incapable of taking care of himself and knowing that he [Liam] suffered from multiple addictions”.
Nores has strongly rejected the claims – previously saying Liam was “playful, happy and well” when he left on the day of his death.
More on the death of Liam Payne
In the lawsuit, Nores alleges Geoff Payne made “misleadingly false and defamatory” statements to Argentine authorities investigating the death, which allegedly led to his arrest and manslaughter charges.
Nores also claims that Liam’s father made false statements to Argentine authorities, which directly led to his arrest and manslaughter charges against him.
According to Nores, Geoff allegedly told investigators that he and Liam’s girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, were acting as Liam’s “nurses” and were responsible for his care.
Nores has repeatedly insisted that he is Liam’s close friend, but has never been the singer’s guardian.
He claims he had no legal obligation to monitor Liam’s welfare.
Geoff also reportedly stated that the Nores took Liam to a new and unnamed psychiatrist in Florida after his regular doctor, Dr. Rhaidy, quit.
Cheryl is terrorized by a convicted killer stalker who turns up at the house 3 weeks after Liam Payne’s funeral
Geoff claimed that Nores lied to the new psychiatrist about Liam’s substance abuse problems in order to get psychiatric medication and avoid continuing the care provided by Dr Rhaidy.
Nores completely denied this, saying that he and Liam had never seen another psychiatrist together and that the claim was “100 per cent fabricated”.
Geoff also allegedly told police that Liam couldn’t be left alone, that he didn’t have his own phone and could only be contacted through Kate or Nores.
The Argentinian accused Geoff’s statements of causing significant damage to his reputation, leading to the legal consequences he now faces.
Nores said the statements had caused “irreparable damage” to his reputation, and lawyers demanded that Geoff retract and correct his statements.
The lawsuit states, “Defendant Geoff’s false Relevant Content in two affidavits was and is the proximate cause of Plaintiff’s injury and damage, including damage to Plaintiff’s reputation.”
Nores pledged to donate all “net financial proceeds” from the lawsuit to Liam’s son Bear.
10
Liam and his girlfriend Kate Cassidy, who was with the singer in Argentina a few days before his death
10
Singer pictured with ex Cheryl in 2016 Credit: Credit: Getty – Contributor
10
Liam with his and Cheryl’s son, BearCredit: See title
10
Several employees at the CasaSur Palermo hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina have been charged Credit: Getty
Members of hotel staff, including the manager, waiter and receptionist, also face charges in connection with Liam’s death.
Two of them were detained, reports the Argentinian news site Infobae.
Brian Paiz, the waiter who allegedly admitted to taking drugs with the singer, was charged with supplying narcotics for payment.
Ezequiel Pereyra, a hotel employee, was also allegedly charged with drug supply.
The managers of the Hotel CasaSur Palermo, Gilda Martín and Esteban Grassi, have reportedly been charged with manslaughter.
Liam died on October 16 after falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina.
He was in the country to renew his US visa after moving to Florida with his girlfriend, American influencer Kate Cassidy.
Kate returned home early after feeling homesick, a few days before he died in Buenos Aires.
Toxicology tests revealed traces of alcohol, cocaine and prescribed antidepressants in his body at the time of his death.
Shortly before his death, Liam was seen “acting erratically” and witnesses claimed he had to be carried back to his room after smashing his laptop.
An autopsy found he died of external bleeding and multiple injuries after falling from the third-floor balcony of the CasaSur Hotel in the upmarket Palermo district.
Liam’s funeral was held in his home town of Amersham in November and was attended by his family and friends, including his former bandmates.
10
Waiter Braian Nahuel Paiz gave an interview to the Argentine media
10
Paiz pictured with Liam Payne
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education