A petition to enact legislation to safeguard artists’ mental health in the entertainment industry has been signed by over 100,000 fans of Liam Payne – who died last week in Argentina

A petition demanding a change in the law in light of the tragic death of Liam Payne has passed a watermark that means it will now be debated by politicians.

Devastated fans have been signing a petition set up in honour of tragic One Direction star Liam – who fell to his death from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, last week. The singer was just 31-years-old and his death came after he previously opened up about his struggles with sobriety and mental health.

The star had also suggested in the past that a service should be available to help young musicians who may be struggling to adjust to fame and the spotlight. While the singer did not live to see such safeguards be introduced in the entertainment industry when he was alive, fans hope this can be changed in light of his death.

A petition was set up via change.org with the intention of introducing Liam’s Law – to safeguard artists’ mental health in the entertainment industry. The petition was initially aiming to attract 12,000 signatures – but has now passed the magic number of 100,000 which means the petitions should now be debated by politicians in Parliament.

The petition has crossed the 100,000 signature threshold ( 
Image:
Change.org)

Set up by a fan, a call to action on the petition webpage states: “In 2021 Liam advocated for a support system to be put in place for young artists’ going through the industry. He spoke about his own struggles and the need for there to be care in place to safeguard artists’ mental health. Ultimately, I am angry and saddened that the industry has let him down.”

Vowing to help make Liam’s vision a reality, the fan continued: “The entertainment industry, acclaimed for its glamour and stardom, is equally infamous for the enormous pressure it exerts on the mental health of artists. Resultant issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, substance misuse and even suicide are alarmingly high. According to research, performers are 2-3 times more likely to suffer from these issues compared to the general population.

“In recent news of Liam Payne’s tragic death as many others, the entertainment industry needs to be held accountable and be responsible to the welfare of their artists. We seek to implore lawmakers to create legislation safeguarding the mental health of artists within the industry.”

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Sharing hopes for a prospective law, the statement went on: “Such a law would necessitate regular mental health check-ups, adequate rest periods, and the presence of mental health professionals on-set, including any ongoing support during their career. It will ensure a healthier, safer, and more conducive working environment for artists to cultivate their talents reducing psychological distress.

“This would also include early interventions to protect and minimise before it’s too late. Furthermore, the increasing rate of musicians who die before the age of 35, is concerning. We need to act now!” The petition also notes: “Your signature could be a lifeline for these talented individuals, contributing to a larger movement of mental health awareness and care in industries worldwide.”