Simon Cowell has been defended by a One Direction bandmate after the death of Liam Payne.

The music mogul is well-known for his TV appearances as a talent show judge, starring on The X-Factor, Britain's Got Talent and American Idol over the years.

He now lives across the border in Oxfordshire with his fiancée, Lauren Silverman, as well as his 11-year-old son, Eric.

Over the years, he has been responsible for many worldwide singers and groups, including One Direction, Little Mix, James Arthur, Leona Lewis and Susan Boyle.

Mr Cowell received a backlash after the death of Mr Payne, who fell from a balcony in Buenos Aires in October last year.

Among those was Rebecca Ferguson, who criticised the "exploitation and profiteering of young stars" and Katie Waissel who said "we all know the truth".

But One Direction bandmate Louis Tomlinson has now stuck up for former mentor Mr Cowell.

One Direction (PA)

The 33-year-old told the Independent: "Look, in any situation similar to this, hindsight is a really powerful thing.

"I don't blame anyone for my experience in One Direction."

He added: "But what was really challenging, more than any of those things, was being young and really famous and having people outside the hotels.

"If you wanted to go and get coffee, even wanting to go for a s*** and having to walk with your security. It's dehumanising, those kind of things."