Matty Healy of the 1975 performs at the 2019 Governors Ball Festival at Randall's Island on June 01, 2019 in New York City.
Dia Dipasupil/Getty
The 1975's Matty Healy has said he is unsure the band will be allowed back into the United Arab Emirates after he kissed a male fan during a show in Dubai on Wednesday. Homosexuality is illegal in the country and can be punishable with up to 10 years in prison. Healy appeared to comment on this when, after the kiss, he told the crowd, "We're all human, right?"
Wednesday night's show at the Coca-Cola Arena marked The 1975's first ever date in the UAE. Healy stepped off the stage and embraced the fan, who was stood on the front row, during "Loving Someone."
The 1975. Matty Healy. He did that. He kissed a man at today’s concert in Dubai, UAE where homosexuality is ILLEGAL. I am forever grateful for everything these incredible men have done for us. @the1975 @Truman_Black @1975hann @Gdans1975 pic.twitter.com/iVLpIv32uE
— 𝓂𝑒𝓁 (@_peachymel) August 14, 2019
Tweeting about the show after it ended, Healy wrote: "Thank you Dubai you were so amazing. I don’t think we’ll be allowed back due to my ‘behaviour’ but know that I love you and I wouldn’t have done anything differently given the chance again." He subsequently added, "But who knows maybe they will let me back in let's just wait and see :)."
But who knows maybe they will let me back in let’s just wait and see :)
— 🥾🌍 (@Truman_Black) August 15, 2019
The 1975 have never shied away from social issues and donated funds to help open London's first LGBTQ+ community center in 2018. Healy also called out male misogynists during the 2019 Brit Awards while the band's latest single features a speech from eco-activist Greta Thunberg.
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