Former One Direction star Liam Payne was laid to rest on November 20, 2024, in a private ceremony in Amersham, England, but much of the attention turned to his girlfriend.

Among the attendees was Payne’s girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, dressed in an all-black outfit featuring a fur-trimmed coat, dark sunglasses, and styled blonde waves.

Cassidy’s other companion was Damian Hurley, the son of actress Elizabeth Hurley and late producer Steve Bing.

Photos of the service sparked mixed reactions online, with one commenting, “She could have worn something more ‘decent’?”

Another chimed in, “Why do they all wear sunglasses, is it some sort of status symbol,” while someone else pointed out, “Was the blow out necessary? Its a funeral not a party [sic].”

Some also suggested that Cassidy attending alone might have shown more respect.

However, others criticized the negative comments aimed at Cassidy, urging respect for Payne’s grieving family and emphasizing that such discussions were inappropriate during a time of mourning.

One fan expressed heartbreak over the tragic circumstances, highlighting the emotional weight of Payne’s funeral.

Meanwhile, another user remarked on Cassidy’s appearance, likening her to a supermodel.

Despite the mixed reactions, some defended Cassidy with one supporter writing, “I’m so glad she came x [sic].”

Another acknowledged Cassidy’s actions, adding, “of course she deserves her place at the funeral also. Liam would have wanted that. Rest in Peace Liam 🙏💔 [sic].”

While Cassidy’s appearance drew mixed reactions, the ceremony brought together those closest to Payne to honor his life and legacy.

His former bandmates—Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, and Louis Tomlinson—joined Cassidy at the service, standing in solidarity as they paid their respects.

On October 22, before attending the service, Cassidy shared an emotional tribute to her late boyfriend on Instagram, featuring several photos of their time together, including a trip to Disneyland, an outdoor hike, winter moments, and a handwritten note.

“I don’t even know where to begin. My heart is shattered in ways I can’t put into words,” she began, reflecting on Payne’s impact on the world and the love they shared.

She described him as her “best friend” and “the love of [her] life,” praising his kindness, energy, and ability to light up every room.

Cassidy also opened up about her disbelief over his passing, sharing her struggle to adjust to life without him while cherishing the joyful, childlike moments they experienced together.

Reflecting on their relationship, Cassidy revealed that she and Payne had recently envisioned their future, including plans for marriage.

She shared a heartfelt note he wrote just weeks before his passing, expressing his wish to be “engaged & together forever 444.”

She referred to Payne as her “guardian angel” and ended her statement with, “I will love you for the rest of my life and beyond, carrying our dreams and memories with me everywhere I go.”

Cassidy’s heartfelt tribute came after she was first seen with friends in Florida on October 20, just days after Payne’s death made headlines.

The 25-year-old influencer kept things casual, donning an oversized graphic T-shirt, gray sweatpants, and slides, with her hair loosely cascading down her face.

The trio had a furry companion by their side—a dog many believe to be Nala, the beloved pup that Payne and Cassidy rescued together.

Following the outing, netizens quickly expressed concern for Cassidy’s emotional state, with some noting her exhaustion and empathizing with her immense grief.

Many found comfort in seeing Cassidy with Nala, a reminder of her bond with Payne, while others noted she appeared “empty” and as though she had “been crying for days.”

Some urged paparazzi to respect her privacy, while others shared personal experiences with loss, offering prayers and support for Cassidy and Payne’s family.

More online commenters expressed sympathy for Cassidy, with some noting how “gutted” she looked and others sharing heartbreak over the immense loss she endured in such a short time.

Some observers speculated that Cassidy might be experiencing guilt, with one noting her sad and miserable appearance and offering prayers for her emotional well-being.

Cassidy’s sighting occurred just days after Payne’s tragic death on October 16, when he fell from the balcony of his third-story at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Although his death was initially surrounded by mystery, it was later reported that he was under the influence of potent drugs.

Cassidy, who reportedly lived with Payne in Florida, paid him an initial tribute.

In her Instagram Story, she thanked supporters for their kindness, shared that she felt lost and that the past few days felt unreal, and asked for privacy as she navigated her grief.

Payne and Cassidy arrived in Argentina on September 30, 2024, ready to enjoy what appeared to be a relaxing vacation.

The couple posted photos and videos on social media, showing them soaking in the sights and sounds of Buenos Aires.

From scenic outings to intimate moments, their followers were treated to a glimpse of their time together, with Payne seemingly in high spirits.

However, Cassidy left Argentina on October 14, flying back to Florida.

She later explained in a TikTok video that the couple originally planned to stay for five days, but the trip stretched into two weeks.

“I was just like, ‘I need to go home,’ I was so ready to leave,” Cassidy admitted, explaining that her travel anxiety even triggered a “weird rash” before her flight.

“Honestly, love South America but I hate staying in one place for too long,” she shared, adding that it was a relief to finally return to Florida.

Meanwhile, Payne stayed behind in Buenos Aires, checking into the CasaSur Palermo Hotel.

Hours before his tragic death on October 16, Payne shared what would become his last post on Snapchat.

In the now-deleted post, he shared a video showing behind-the-scenes moments of his time in Argentina, including clips with Cassidy.

The singer described the day as “lovely” and included a photo of the two of them standing together, looking into a mirror.

However, despite his upbeat caption, some followers noticed something was off about his appearance.

Observant fans expressed concern over his demeanor, noting sadness and sorrow in his appearance, with some describing him as “frustrated,” “aggravated,” and “dead inside.”

Some commenters speculated about Payne’s emotional state, describing his eyes as “empty” and suggesting he “seemed depressed.”