A petition to create a new law to protect artists’ mental health following the death of Liam Payne has garnered more than 24,000 signatures.
The One Direction star passed away on October 16 after falling from the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Payne previously described his rapid rise to fame as ‘a little bit toxic’ in a 2019 interview with Men’s Health Australia. He had been open with his struggle with alcohol, and last year spent 100 days in rehab, telling fans on YouTube he was worried he was becoming ‘somebody who I didn’t really recognize anymore’.
Sharon Osbourne, a former judge on British talent show The X Factor on which Payne first rose to fame, addressed the 31-year-old’s passing questioning where the ‘industry’ was when he ‘needed them’.
Osbourne continued in a post to Instagram: “Liam, my heart aches. We all let you down. […] You were just a kid when you entered one of the toughest industries in the world. Who was in your corner?”
And a petition has since been launched on Change.org to raise awareness of the ‘enormous pressure’ the entertainment industry – ‘acclaimed for its glamour and stardom‘ – ‘exerts on the mental health of artists’.
It reads: “Resultant issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, substance misuse and even suicide are alarmingly high.
“According to research, performers are two-three times more likely to suffer from these issues compared to the general population.”
Liam Payne rose to fame as a teenager on The X Factor (Getty Images/ Shirlaine Forrest/WireImage)
The petition argues in light of Payne’s ‘tragic death’ alongside ‘many others’ the industry ‘needs to be held accountable and be responsible to the welfare of their artists’.
It continues: “We seek to implore lawmakers to create legislation safeguarding the mental health of artists within the industry.
“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.
Liam Payne died last week (Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
“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 artist’s role is invaluable not just in the world of entertainment but also in society. Let us ensure their protection and wellbeing.
“Your signature could be a lifeline for these talented individuals, contributing to a larger movement of mental health awareness and care in industries worldwide. Please, sign the petition. #LiamsLaw.”
The petition has reached over 24,000 signatures at the time of writing, its next goal set at 25,000.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact The Compassionate Friends on (877) 969-0010.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 to reach a 24-hour crisis center or you can webchat at 988lifeline.org. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.
