The 1975's Matty Healy Broke A Homophobic Dubai Law By Kissing A Male Fan

The 1975 just played their first-ever show in Dubai on Wednesday, August 4, and the musical group may not be back for a while — or perhaps ever. Turns out, frontman Matty Healy violated United Arab Emirates law by going into the crowd while in their show and kissing a man concertgoer. Healy doesn't seem to have any regrets, however it's critical to note that there have been a number of arrests for heterosexual kissing in public in the UAE and homosexuality is unlawful, punishable by up to 10 years in prison, according to the UK's Foreign Office.


In a now-deleted video, the male fan was reportedly heard shouting "Marry Me" as Healy passed by while singing "Loving Someone," Billboard reported. Healy then walked up to the fan, gave him a hug, and asked if he'd like a kiss. Right after he agreed, Healy kissed him on the lips before telling the crowd, "We're all human, right?"


Once the concert ended, Healy took to Twitter to let his followers know that the musical group may not be welcomed back inside the nation due to its homophobic policies. "Thank you Dubai you were so astonishing he wrote. "I don't think we'll be allowed back due to my 'behaviour' nevertheless know that I love you and I wouldn't have done anything differently given the chance again."


Clearly, this situation is way more complex than just a kiss between two guys: While it's exceedingly crucial to protest blatant homophobia once we visualize it happening, a public show of affection between two males in Dubai could have severe repercussions on the fan's safety. This consensual act of protest sparked an even larger conversation online, with several people expressing concern for the fan. "I know matty healy kissed a male in an openly-anti lgbt nation although please refrain from posting the photographs a fan tweeted. "... The man he kissed could face serious danger if his face goes all over social media."


Simultaneously, other fans defended Healy for what they saw as a revolutionary moment for the historically anti-LGBTQ country. "Matty Healy was preforming in Dubai, an anti LGBT city, and kissed a man fan. Legendary," someone else wrote.


This isn't the opening time The 1975 has signaled their political leanings: Last year, the musical group helped fund London’s first LGBTQ center, and Healy called out male misogynists in an acceptance speech at 2019's Brit Awards, and their current album features a opening track with a long monologue by teen climate activist Greta Thunberg.