## Simon Cowell Responds to Liam Payne’s Claims
Music mogul Simon Cowell has addressed Liam Payne’s shocking statement about One Direction’s early days, where Payne claimed the band members were "locked in hotel rooms" during their peak fame.
### Liam Payne’s Allegations
Liam Payne said that during One Direction’s rise, the band members were often confined to hotel rooms for long periods. This created a feeling of restriction and intense pressure, according to Payne.
> "We were locked in a room most of the time. It was very hard," Payne explained.
### Simon Cowell’s Response
Simon Cowell responded by denying any malicious intent behind their schedules and accommodations.
> "We never locked anyone in a room. It was a busy time. The lads had a very demanding schedule, but it was all about giving the fans what they wanted," Cowell said.
He emphasized that the strict routines were part of managing the band’s massive global success, not punishment or control.
### Context and Explanation
The contrasting perspectives highlight the intense pressures young pop stars often face. While Payne reflects on the emotional strain, Cowell frames it as a necessary part of managing the band’s career.
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**Author’s summary:**
Simon Cowell refutes Liam Payne’s claim that One Direction was physically confined, stating the regimented schedule was driven by the demands of their global fame, not by locking them up.
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Metro on MSN — 2025-11-29