The tragic death of former One Direction star Liam Payne has reignited a conversation about the duty of care in the music industry, especially for young artists. Payne, who passed away at the age of 31 after falling from a hotel in Argentina, was remembered by TV personality Sharon Osbourne as someone who was let down by the industry.
Osbourne expressed regret, saying, “We all let you down,” and questioned the lack of support for young artists entering the challenging world of music. More than 25,000 people have signed a petition calling for the entertainment industry to take responsibility for the welfare of its artists.
Payne himself admitted to using alcohol as a coping mechanism for the pressures of fame, highlighting the toll that success can take on mental health. Other industry figures, such as Bruce Springsteen and Robbie Williams, have also spoken out about the negative impact of fame and the need for more support for artists.
The discussion has extended to the treatment of young performers, with calls for better protection and care for those entering the industry at a young age. JLS star Oritse Williams emphasized the lack of duty of care in the music business, echoing concerns raised by others about the challenges faced by artists in the spotlight.
While some believe that progress has been made in terms of artist welfare and support, there are still concerns about the prioritization of profit over the well-being of musicians. The music industry is being urged to do more to ensure the safety and mental health of its artists, especially those who are just starting their careers.
