Friends of Kate Cassidy have given insight into her “concerning” behavior following the tragic death of boyfriend Liam Payne in Argentina last year.
“There were months where I literally didn’t see her smile, but I saw her every day,” a close friend of the influencer told the Daily Mail on Sunday.
“I was very worried. She didn’t seem like herself. She canceled a lot of gatherings and was almost a recluse.”
A source said Cassidy, who started dating Payne in 2022, is now recovering well and is “not there yet,” but is “hanging out with friends” and is “open to dating again.”
“There was a time when she obviously wasn’t okay, but she’s getting better now,” the source added. “She’s moving on now. She knows that’s what he wanted.”
The friend also dismissed claims by Casasul Palermo hotel employee Brian Nahuel Paiz that the 26-year-old had an intimate night with the One Direction alum and provided him with drugs the day before he fell to his death from a hotel balcony.
“Kate doesn’t pay any attention to them at all,” a friend said of the allegations. “She knows what happened between her and Liam and that it was very, very good. No matter what happened that day, her love and respect for her and Liam’s relationship remains the same.”
Cassidy left Argentina two days before Payne died on October 16, 2024. He passed away at the age of 31.
The “What Makes You Beautiful” singer reportedly begged Cassidy to extend her stay, and witnesses claim that after she left, Cassidy began acting “erratic.”
An autopsy revealed drugs were found in the Night Changes crooner’s system, and several people, including Mr Paiz, have been charged with supplying him with drugs.
Cassidy spoke out shortly after Payne’s death, writing on Instagram: “The last few days have felt unreal. I ask and pray that you will give me grace and space to work through this in private.”
“Liam, my angel. You are everything. Please know that I love you completely and unconditionally. I will continue to love you for the rest of my life. I love you, Liam.”
She has since spoken candidly about their last memories as a couple, including the wedding they attended together in France in September before Payne’s death.
Cassidy also shared a video of herself baking a cake to celebrate the X Factor alum’s 32nd birthday, which was due in August.
The following month, she reunited with Payne by creating an AI image of him dressed up.
