The 1975 performed their first ever show in Dubai last night where, during their set, frontman Matty Healy went into the crowd and gave a hug and consensual kiss to a male fan who shouted “marry me” at the singer, according to Billboard. Afterwards, in fan-footage of the encounter, Healy is heard shouting to the crowd, “we’re all human, right?”
The United Arab Emirates have strict anti-LGBTQ laws that punish homosexuality with up to 10 years in prison. Healy knowingly broke that law in a sort of protest statement during the fan encounter. In a follow-up tweet from the singer, he wrote: ” 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 later added, “but who knows maybe they will let me back in let’s just wait and see :)”
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
— (@Truman_Black) August 15, 2019
But who knows maybe they will let me back in let’s just wait and see 🙂
— (@Truman_Black) August 15, 2019
The 1975 are currently on tour behind their latest album A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships, which was released last year. They recently debuted the new opener to their forthcoming album Notes on a Conditional Form. Check out fan-footage of the kiss below.
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
— (@_peachymel) August 14, 2019