Liam Payne stopped by Universal Music just days before his tragic death

Liam Payne suffered a major setback just days before his tragic death when Universal Music dropped him from their label, The Mail can reveal.

Liam was originally signed to Sony during his time with One Direction, but in July 2016, at just 22 years old, he signed with Capitol Records, a label owned by Universal, to launch his solo career.

Liam was reportedly “thrilled” when he secured the contract with Capitol, which was said to be extremely lucrative.

Although Capitol Records is part of Universal, a recent internal restructuring placed it under Universal’s main label.

Last night, guests staying at the same hotel as Payne recounted eerie details of the moments leading to his death, including hearing “violent noises” and a “scream”.

Doug Jones, a fellow guest at the hotel, told the BBC: “I thought they were working on the room. There was a lot of noise, like heavy lifting, like banging, a lot of loud, violent noises, I thought.”

Jones continued, “And I saw hotel people coming in and out of that room, so I thought they were working on the room.”

He added: “Around 4pm and 4.30pm I started hearing a bit more noise, I was still working, and around 4.45pm and 5pm I heard a really loud, violent scream.”

Later that evening, Universal Music Group posted a tribute to Liam Payne on Instagram, expressing how “devastated” they were by his death.

Payne, 31, reportedly fell from the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Wednesday evening. Shortly afterwards, doctors confirmed his death.

Universal Music Group’s tribute said: “We are devastated by the tragic death of Liam Payne.”

They added: “His legacy will live on through his music and the countless fans he inspired and adored.”

The message ended with: “We extend our deepest condolences to Liam’s family and loved ones.”

Capitol Records echoed this sentiment by republishing Universal’s statement.

Multiple sources confirmed to MailOnline that Liam had been sacked by the record company.

A source explained: “Liam’s progress has been huge and he hasn’t been able to catch up.” [it].”

They added: “Of all the One Direction boys, Liam was on the wrong path musically.”

The release of Liam’s second album was reportedly delayed before Universal eventually cut ties with him.

Additionally, it was revealed that Liam’s PR team had resigned earlier this month and he was no longer represented.

The resignation came around the time Liam’s ex-fiancée Maya Henry took legal action against him, accusing him of repeatedly contacting her.

A source noted: “It’s as if Liam’s entire music career that he had built since he went solo eight years ago collapsed, there was very little left for him.”

They concluded: “It must have absolutely devastated him.”