Family, friends, and One Direction stars gathered in Buckinghamshire to honor Liam Payne at an emotional funeral on Wednesday, over a month after the singer’s untimely passing at 31.

The private service took place at St. Mary’s Church in Amersham, north-west of London. Payne’s former bandmates Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and Zayn Malik joined mourners, including his girlfriend Kate Cassidy, ex-partner Cheryl, and their son Bear.

A white horse-drawn hearse adorned with floral tributes spelling “Son” and “Daddy” brought Payne’s coffin to the church. Other tributes included a 10-pin bowling-themed arrangement, reflecting one of his favorite pastimes.

Following the service, pallbearers carried the coffin from the church as Payne’s parents, Cheryl, and other close family members followed. Among the attendees were Cheryl’s Girls Aloud bandmates Kimberley Walsh and Nicola Roberts, as well as Simon Cowell, who signed One Direction to his label.

The heartfelt ceremony also drew appearances from notable personalities, including James Corden, Marvin and Rochelle Humes, Scott Mills, and Adrian Chiles.

Despite Payne’s global fame, fans largely respected the privacy of the occasion, heeding reminders on social media that “memorials are for fans, funerals are for family.” Only a small number of locals and well-wishers gathered outside the church.

Payne, who resided in nearby Chalfont St. Giles, was remembered for his warmth and talent. His passing has deeply affected his family, bandmates, and fans worldwide, marking the loss of a beloved figure in music.

A New York priest, Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello, has been removed from his post after allowing singer Sabrina Carpenter to film scenes for her Feather music video in a church, sparking controversy. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn announced his dismissal, citing the music video and further findings of administrative misconduct.

The video, released in October 2023, included provocative scenes filmed at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, showing Carpenter dancing on the altar in a short dress and a crucifix adorned with profanity. The Diocese expressed its dismay at the video and initiated an investigation, which uncovered additional irregularities.

In a statement, Bishop Robert Brennan explained that investigations by external firms revealed violations of church policies. These included unapproved financial transfers and personal use of church funds.

Among the allegations, it was found that from 2019 to 2021, nearly $2 million in church funds were transferred to accounts linked to a former staff member of New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who faces multiple criminal charges.

The Diocese revoked Monsignor Gigantiello’s administrative powers in November 2023 after the video’s release and replaced him with a new overseer. Gigantiello, who previously served as the vicar of development for the Diocese, acknowledged the decision to allow filming in the church as a “lapse in judgment” but has not commented on the broader allegations.

The funeral of former One Direction member Liam Payne is scheduled for Wednesday, following his tragic death at the age of 31. The private service will be held in the Home Counties of south-east England, with his family, close friends, and former bandmates expected to attend.

Payne passed away in Buenos Aires, Argentina, after falling from a third-floor balcony of a hotel. The autopsy confirmed that he suffered internal and external bleeding along with multiple traumatic injuries due to the fall.

In a heartfelt statement, his family expressed their profound grief, saying:
“We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts, and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny, and brave soul.”

Payne rose to international stardom after competing on The X Factor in the 2010s. Despite finishing third, his band One Direction became one of the most successful British groups since The Beatles, selling over 70 million records globally. Their legacy includes four UK number-one singles and albums, with Payne contributing as a co-writer on many of their hits.

As a solo artist, Payne also achieved success with songs such as Strip That Down and Bedroom Floor.

He is survived by his parents, two sisters, and his son, Bear, whom he shares with singer Cheryl. His girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, is also expected to attend the service.

Payne’s untimely passing has left fans and the music industry mourning the loss of a talent whose impact extended far beyond the stage.