The British pop band known for their accepting attitude and for encouraging listeners to stand up against injustice. The band boasts an LGBTQ anthem, “Loving Someone,” which includes lyrics that support same-sex relationships. They’ve also been known to oppose Donald Trump, even parodying one of Trump’s controversial statements—“I moved on her like a bitch”—in the song “Love It If We Made It.”
During a show in Dubai on Thursday night, when The 1975 played “Loving Someone,” a male showgoer asked Healy to marry him. The 30-year-old frontman responded by kissing the unnamed fan, according to Twitter users at the show. Some viewers took the public kiss as a stand against the country’s strict anti-LGBTQ laws, which can land someone in prison for up to 10 years, according to Detained in Dubai.
Because of the strict punishments, some fans slammed Healy for the kiss, which could jeopardize the fan’s freedom and safety. Twitter users reached out to Healy to ask that he check in on the fan he kissed and make sure he’s doing alright after the show.
Others encouraged Healy to consider the consequences of his behavior once he left Dubai. They explained when the show is over, the safe space the band created will be gone, too.
Healy acknowledged his behavior on Twitter the following morning, explaining that he may not be welcome back to Dubai because of his actions. “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 wrote.
Others were supportive, though, and applauded Healy’s decision to stick up for the rights of his fans. Some claimed the band continues to inspire confidence in their fanbase and foster acceptance of any sexuality, gender or race.
At least 70 U.N. nations criminalize homosexuality, with punishment ranging from fines and jail time to caning and the death penalty.
This isn’t the first time Healy has made political waves: Most recently, while performing in St. Petersburg, Russia, the performer held a sign that read, “We are not our government.”
