The 1975 frontman Matt Healy has kissed a male fan at a gig in Dubai in defiance of the country’s anti-LGBTQ laws.
Fan videos show Healy telling fans “if you’re gay, I love you and God freaking loves you”, and walking into the crowd to kiss a man on the lips.
After the kiss, he said: “I love you bro. We’re all human, right?”
Homosexuality is illegal in the United Arab Emirates – and punishments can range from 10 years in prison to fines, deportation and even the death penalty, according to Detained in Dubai.
In an online post following the gig, Healy said he did not think he would be allowed to return to the country.
He tweeted: “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.”
The singer later added: “Sorry I shouldn’t have tweeted that it’s just been a very intense couple of days I love you all so so much.”
During the band’s first gig in the United Arab Emirates, Healy appeared to become emotional and told the crowd: “I do this every night and it’s the same thing.
“I see so much passion and pain and I know what you guys are going through and I know that you’re not representative of your governments.
“I can’t do this without saying anything.”
A fan tweeted after the gig that she had been “inspired” by the singer to come out to her mother.
In another show of support for the LBGTQ community last year, Healy opened a community centre in London.
He told The Observer: “You might wonder why it is needed, and even ask yourself what exactly is everyone still scared of, but sadly, I think stigma still exists even in London and we still have some way to go.”
