Who was Liam Payne Dating? The Iconic Music Star’s Love Life Before Passing Away

Former One Direction member Liam Payne tragically passed away on October 16 after falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina.

Just days before the incident, he had been enjoying some time with his girlfriend of two years, Kate Cassidy, following his support of former bandmate Niall Horan at his Buenos Aires concert.

Liam’s past relationships include dating Cheryl Cole, with whom he shares a son, Bear, and a relationship with Maya Henry that ended in May 2022. Speculation about his relationship with Kate Cassidy began around Halloween 2022, though the couple didn’t officially go public until two months later.

So, who is Liam’s enigmatic girlfriend? Let’s go through more about Kate Cassidy and her relationship with the former 1D star.

Liam posted about Kate just minutes before his death

In a chilling moment, Liam shared a photo of Kate just minutes before his tragic fall. The Snapchat story featured a throwback image of the couple in beach outfits, a picture Kate had originally posted for Liam’s 30th birthday.

Liam also shared a video of Kate having breakfast, captioning it “Quality time.” Kate had returned to the U.S. two days prior, posting a video with the caption, “soooo happpiii to b back in sunshine state” upon her arrival in Florida.

The couple’s first public appearance

Liam and Kate were first romantically linked in 2022, just six months after Liam ended his engagement to Maya Henry. The pair made headlines after attending a Halloween party dressed as Mötley Crüe rocker Tommy Lee and Baywatch star Pamela Anderson.

Two months later, they confirmed their relationship by stepping out together on the red carpet at the British Fashion Awards in London.

Following the event, Kate shared a photo on Instagram, which Liam humorously commented on: “Who is that lucky lucky dashing young man next to you…nah seriously you look fantastic I coulda just told you that as you’re on the sofa next to me but you know tech and phones n stuff.”

Kate’s background as an influencer and college graduate

Kate isn’t just known for her good looks—she graduated from Coastal Carolina University in 2021.

To commemorate the moment, she posted a photo in her graduation attire, featuring a sash from her sorority, Phi Sigma Sigma, with the caption, “Thank you for four amazing years.”

At the time of writing, she has amassed 171,000 Instagram followers and frequently travels to glamorous destinations such as Dubai and Rome for her influencer career.

Her interactions with other One Direction members

Through her relationship with Liam, Kate has also met other One Direction members. In March 2023, she attended the premiere of Louis Tomlinson’s documentary, All of Those Voices, which chronicled the highs and lows of fame.

She shared her excitement on Instagram, writing, “What a crazy eye opening experience! It was so nice to meet you finally.”

She expressed how special it was to share the event with Liam, adding, “I’m so glad I got to share those moments with you watching your best friend, even the tearful ones… @louist91 well done on such a beautiful film that everybody will love.” Before Liam’s tragic passing, the couple had been in Argentina for Niall Horan’s The Show tour concert.

Liam’s unwavering support for Kate

Despite occasional ups and downs in their relationship, Liam stood by Kate’s side when she faced criticism. After their relationship became public, some fans accused Kate of being a gold-digger.

Liam defended her with a passionate post on Instagram, writing, “Gotta say you could tell me anything and I couldn’t be turned. I’ve never felt a love like I do for Katelyn. We make each other better people.”

He also addressed the money accusations, humorously adding, “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 lovable person.

And I don’t give a [expletive] to say that for the first time in my life I’m happy to be me and that’s priceless.”