Liam Payne’s girlfriend Kate Cassidy is said to have given the singer an ultimatum in their relationship, days before he tragically passed away in Argentina last month

The reason Kate Cassidy left Argentina without boyfriend Liam Payne has been revealed, with friends of the waitress claiming she “had to go”.

Kate, who first met in September 2022 at a bar in Charleston, South Carolina, is thought to have issued the One Direction singer with an ultimatum after he battled his demons with drugs and alcohol. “She had to go,” says her pal. “It was becoming very unhealthy for everyone. She hoped he would follow her back to Miami.”

The British singer died at the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires last month, at the age of 31. Liam died from multiple injuries as well as internal and external bleeding after his body was found in the hotel’s internal courtyard, a post-mortem examination said. Three people have been charged in connection with the dad-of-one’s death, as Argentine authorities ruled out third party involvement in his fall.

Liam spoke frequently about his past issues with drugs and alcohol – something that caused issues with his American visa. The former X Factor star, who shared son Bear, seven, with UK based Cheryl Tweedy, had been on holiday in Argentina with Kate prior to Liam’s untimely passing on October 16, as he needed to renew his American visa, where he intended to live.

Kate Cassidy gave Liam a tough ultimatum during their trip to Argentina ( 
Image:
katecass/Instagram)

Due to his past drug use and rehab stints, Liam’s visa had expired, requiring him to pass medical examinations and drug tests for renewal. Reports suggest that Kate has spoken to friends about her relationship with Liam, allegedly forcing him to make a choice. It was thought that Liam had been clean from drugs before his drug tests, which he passed, putting him on track to receive his visa again.

However, it’s claimed he returned to narcotics and alcohol shortly after completing the necessary tests. A source told the New York Post: “His drug use was causing a lot of drama. So she gave him an ultimatum: her or the drugs. He chose the drugs, so she had no choice but to remove herself from the situation. She thought she was doing tough love.”

Initially, Kate and Liam planned to stay in the Latin American country for only five days – a trip that extended into two weeks, something she disagreed with. Kate revealed her discomfort on social media, telling fans she “hated” being stuck in one place for too long and felt an urgent need to get back to their Florida home.

Kate allegedly had ‘no choice but to remove herself’ ( 
Image:
katecass/Instagram)
She felt trapped in what a source described as a “hostage situation”, with the holiday dragging on interminably. “It was becoming very unhealthy for everyone. She hoped he would follow her back to Miami,” the insider said. Following Liam’s tragic passing, Kate penned a heartbreaking tribute on social media.

In a post to Instagram one week on from Liam’s death, Kate told her followers: “I don’t even know where to begin. My heart is shattered in ways I can’t put into words. I wish you could see the huge impact you’ve had on the world, even as it feels so dark right now.

“You brought so much happiness and positivity to everyone – millions of fans, your family, friends, and especially me. You are so incredibly loved. You are – because I can’t say were – my best friend, the love of my life, and everyone you touched felt just as special as I did. Your energy was contagious, lighting up every room you walked into.

She continued: “None of this feels real, and I can’t wrap my head around this new reality of not having you here. I’m struggling to figure out how to live in a world without you by my side. Together, we got to be kids again, always finding joy in the smallest things. Liam, you had the kindest soul and the most fun-loving spirit. It feels like I’ve lost the best part of myself. I can’t imagine a day without your laughter and love. You brought so much light into my life.”

Kate went on to say the pair had sat “manifesting our lives together” a few weeks ago and revealed she had a note from the singer, which she has kept “close”. According to Kate, it said: “Me and Kate to marry within a year/engaged & together forever 444. Liam, I know we’ll be together forever, but not in the way we had planned. You’ll always be with me. I’ve gained a guardian angel. I will love you for the rest of my life and beyond, carrying our dreams and memories with me everywhere I go.”