The 1975’s Matty Healy protests Dubai’s anti-LGBTQ laws by kissing male fan on stage
“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.”
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."
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 :)."
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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