United Kingdom, Dec. 6 -- Simon Cowell doesn't feel "guilt" about Liam Payne's death.

The One Direction star died at the age of 31 last year after falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina and Cowell has defended himself against those who criticised his TV talent shows in the wake of the tragedy.

Simon told the Daily Mail newspaper: "Not guilty. When I eventually met with his parents a few months afterwards, obviously we talked about this. Both his mum and dad said to me that music was Liam's passion. His proudest moment was getting through The X Factor the second time.

"The fact he came back said a lot about him. So I don't know what the answer to that question is.

"I don't feel guilt, because you can't guess somebody's destiny. You ...