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Liam Payne was seemingly in a good place with his sobriety months before his tragic death in Buenos Aires ... TMZ has learned.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... the One Direction alum was very vocal about being sober in the late spring/early summer of 2024 ... telling people in his inner circle working with him that he was on the wagon.

We're told those around him saw no warning signs of either drug or alcohol abuse at the time.

Kamala Harris campaign staffers got a pep talk from a surprise celebrity guest ... pop star Katy Perry!!!

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... the Harris campaign staff met Friday for one of their regular all-staff Zoom calls, when the campaign's chief of staff suddenly announced she wanted to introduce a special guest who is a huge supporter of Harris and a friend of the Vice President.

Katy then appeared on the screen ... and cheered on Harris campaign staffers.

Corey Feldman is all in favor of Diddy’s arrest and federal indictment, saying he hopes it leads to more "scumbags" like the music mogul getting taken down too.

A photog caught up with Corey in Bev Hills, where he made it clear he never attended any of Diddy’s infamous parties, joking he was probably too old to get an invite -- a reference to Diddy facing sexual abuse claims from multiple alleged victims who say they were minors at the time of their alleged abuse.

Corey says he's thankful justice is being served, calling the whole situation gross and emphasizing that children need protection. You really need to catch the full clip to see just how disgusted he is about the whole thing.

Cheryl Cole is heartbroken in the aftermath of ex Liam Payne's death ... calling the tragic update an "indescribably painful time" for herself and their son, Bear.

The British singer posted on Instagram Friday, 2 days after the One Direction alum fatally fell from a balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina ... confessing she is grappling with her grief after "this earth shattering event."

She called on fans to be respectful in the wake of Liam ... reminding her followers that the late pop star was more than a celebrity.

Liam Payne's girlfriend Kate Cassidy is speaking out for the first time following the death of the One Direction alum ... thanking fans for their support during this trying time.

The influencer posted on her Instagram Stories 2 days after the singer fell to his death from the balcony of his hotel room in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In her statement, Kate said she's "been at a complete loss" amid the tragedy, confessing the last several days have not "felt real."

She continued ... "I ask and pray that you'll give me the grace and space to navigate this in private."

Simon Cowell is speaking out for the first time since former protégé Liam Payne died ... issuing a poignant statement on social media.

"The X Factor" creator posted on Instagram, revealing he is "truly devastated" following the news about the singer -- who Simon tapped to join One Direction back in 2010.

Simon wrote to Liam directly in his statement, expressing ... "Heartbroken. And I feel empty. And I want you to know how much love and respect I have for you. Every tear I have shed is a memory of you."

Liam Payne's heartbroken dad made his first public appearance since his son's tragic death, after making the trip from the UK to Argentina.

Geoff Payne was spotted leaving his hotel Friday morning, on his way to the Buenos Aires Judicial Office.

Geoff, wearing a navy suit, had a crowd of people around him ... no doubt there to support him during this tough time.

Elton John has already said "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" ... finishing up his farewell tour last year -- but, lucky fans got a chance to see him in London -- at Dua Lipa's show.

The legendary singer-songwriter stopped by Dua's concert at Royal Albert Hall in the UK Thursday ... joining his fashionable colleague onstage as they dueted their popular song "Cold Heart" for the audience.

Check out the clip ... EJ's iconic voice still reverberates around the famous venue as he belts out the hit track inspired by his 1972 song "Rocket Man."

Niall Horan is still struggling to accept the death of his friend and former One Direction bandmate Liam Payne ... opening up about his grief in a new statement.

The Irish singer posted to Instagram Friday morning, 2 days after Liam died in Buenos Aires, Argentina after falling from his hotel balcony. In the note to fans, Niall reiterated how "absolutely devastated" he's feeling after the passing of his longtime friend ... a sentiment previously expressed in One Direction's joint message Thursday.

Niall remembered Liam for his "energy for life and a passion for work," adding LP was "the brightest" in every room they were in.

More superstars from the UK are showing their love for Liam Payne online ... with both Sharon Osbourne and Robbie Williams sending out messages to the late One Direction star.

Osbourne -- who was a judge on "The X Factor," though not when One Direction formed on the show -- posted to Instagram Thursday ... saying her heart goes out to Liam, and claiming the whole industry let him down.

She says LP was just a kid when he came up in the music world ... and, she doesn't think there was enough protection for him -- asking "Who was in your corner?"

Liam Payne's death is continuing to send shockwaves throughout Hollywood ... with countless celebrities taking to social media to pay tribute in the aftermath of his passing.

As you know, many A-listers posted online in the hours after news of the One Direction alum's death in Argentina broke Wednesday. As word of Liam's fatal fall spread across the globe, more and more stars are paying tribute to the late singer.

Halsey posted on her Tumblr Thursday, where she confirmed she was a devoted Directioner during 1D's heyday. She wrote ... "As a parent, a fellow artist, and a fan, i simply cannot fathom this untimely loss. my heart goes out to his family, friends, and the fans."

4:05 PM PT -- Harry Styles is also paying tribute to Liam Payne ... saying he's "truly devastated" by Liam's death.

Harry says Liam's "greatest joy was making other people happy" ... and he's remembering Liam for living "wide open, with his heart on his sleeve." Harry also says Liam "had an energy for life that was infectious" and he was "warm, supportive and incredibly loving."

HS adds his heart breaks for Liam's family ... including his son, Bear.

2:08 PM PT -- Zayn Malik has issued his own personal tribute to late One Direction member Liam Payne ... expressing his sadness in a heartbreaking Instagram upload.

Alongside a photo of himself and Liam seemingly napping during their 1D touring days, Zayn shared his regret for never thanking LP for helping him through "some of the most difficult times," including when he was homesick at 17.

As he continued, Zayn remembered Liam as being "head strong" and "opinionated," admitting they "butted heads" at times. Nonetheless, Zayn said he "secretly respected" Liam for his give "no f**ks" attitude.

Zayn signed off his note by expressing his love for Liam, who he praised as "the most qualified" musician.

Louis Tomlinson is sharing his grief following the death of former One Direction bandmate Liam Payne ... posting a poignant tribute to his social media.

In the wake of Liam's death in Argentina Wednesday, Louis posted to Instagram, where he shared he is "beyond devastated" by his peer's untimely passing.

He wrote ... "Yesterday I lost a brother. Liam was somebody I looked up to everyday, such a positive, funny, and kind soul."

Liam Payne's family is sharing their grief in the aftermath of the One Direction alum's fatal fall in Argentina.

The late singer's loved ones issued a statement Thursday, a day after Liam fell from the balcony of his hotel room in Buenos Aires, Argentina and died.

In a note shared with the BBC, Liam's family said they are "heartbroken" following the news of his passing, and are taking time to remember the pop star's personality and legacy.

Rita Ora's clearly feeling the loss of Liam Payne ... getting so emotional at her show last night, she couldn't even sing -- and straight-up walked off the stage at one point.

The singer-songwriter performed in Japan just hours after news of Liam's tragic death in Argentina broke ... and, she played her hit song "For You" -- the track recorded for "Fifty Shades Freed," which features Liam.

While the song plays, Rita walks around the stage looking at the audience and waving her hands in the air. She's letting her fans drive this one -- allowing them to lead the music.

Simon Cowell is taking a brief step back from the spotlight following the tragic death of former protégé Liam Payne.

"Britain's Got Talent," the long-running competition series created by Simon, canceled its Thursday taping after the One Direction star's passing in Buenos Aires, Argentina Wednesday.

This isn't surprising given Simon's long history with Liam and his band, One Direction. Remember, Simon formed the popular boy band on "The X Factor (UK)" ... another singing competition show created by the music mogul.

Liam Payne's girlfriend left Argentina without the singer days before his death ... saying she didn't want to stay in one place too long -- and, bailed after a 5-day trip turned into 2 weeks.

Kate Cassidy -- a social media influencer based in Miami -- posted a video chronicling her journey back to the States from Buenos Aires on Monday ... 2 days before Liam fell to his death at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel.

Cassidy starts the clip by saying she's leaving the country because she doesn't like sticking around in one place too long ... saying she'd originally planned to stay 5 days, but she'd stuck around for about 2 weeks -- and, she just needed to go home.