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Rita Ora is remembering Liam Payne as "one of the kindest people."
The "Let You Love Me" singer gave a touching tribute to the One Direction alum during the 2024 MTV European Music Awards on Sunday (November 10) nearly one month after he tragically passed away at the age of 31. While hosting the show, Ora made sure to honor her "For You" collaborator in an emotional speech, per People.
"I just want to take a moment to remember someone that was very, very dear to us," she said. "We lost him recently, and he was a big part of the MTV world and my world, and I think a lot of yours at home, and everybody in here tonight."
Ora said she and MTV producers had discussed "so many ways" that they wanted to honor the "Strip that Down" singer during the EMAs following his death, with the show playing an in memoriam-style video of the later musician throughout the years.
"I think sometimes just simply speaking is enough," Ora added. "He had the biggest heart and was always the first person to offer help in any way that he could. He brought so much joy to every room he walked into, and he left such a mark on this world. So, let's just take a moment to remember our friend Liam."
Payne died October 16 after falling multiple stories from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, with reports stating he passed away from serious injuries sustained in the fall. He also had multiple drugs in his system at the time of his death, which a prosecutor recently claimed are what led to his fall. Three people have reportedly been detained in connection with the case, including two individuals who worked at the hotel.