Matty Healy addressed his divisive comments in front of a crowd of thousands (Picture: Dave Hogan/Hogan Media Ltd/REX/Shutterstock)
Matty Healy addressed the controversy surrounding comments he’s made in the past as The 1975 took to the stage in Finsbury Park.
With a line-up also including Bleachers, American Football, and Pretty Sick, the band performed an epic concert to thousands of fans in London this weekend.
It’s no secret that Matty, 34, has come under fire for things he’s said over recent months, whether it’s calling Harry Styles a ‘queerbaiter’ or laughing at derogatory comments towards Ice Spice on a now-viral podcast episode.
But these weren’t the first instances of Matty dividing people with his views, as he’s been accused of being misogynistic, Islamaphobic, and antisemitic since the group rose to prominence in 2013.
His on-stage antics have also caused a stir, whether he’s snogging fans, eating raw meat, or appearing to do a Nazi salute.
Most recently, Rina Sawayama called out the star – who owns the record label she’s signed to – for ‘microaggressions’ while performing at Glastonbury.
The singer said there’s stuff he would ‘take back’ (Picture: Dave Hogan/Hogan Media Ltd/REX/Shutterstock)
Matty has issued what some have branded half-hearted apologies before, but he seemed to take more accountability while addressing the crowd on Saturday night.
The frontman admitted there are things he would ‘take back’ if he could.
In video footage captured by Metro.co.uk, the Robbers singer began his speech by thanking the crowd for showing up, insisting he’s ‘not someone who takes things for granted’.
‘The 1975 isn’t a dry band. There’s a lot of irony in it,’ he continued.
‘Like, Love Me, for example, it doesn’t make sense unless I’m taking the p**s out of myself,’ he added, referencing one of the band’s most popular singles and its lyrics.
‘I was always, like, trying stuff. And some stuff I got right and some stuff I got wrong.
The Robbers hitmaker has come under fire in the past for alleged misogyny and racism (Picture: Marcelo Hernandez/Getty Images)
‘But, do you know what? There’s a lot of things I’ve said, jokes that I’ve made, you know what, there’s probably a couple of f***ing songs I’d take back if I had the chance.
‘What I mean is that I really am only doing this because I want to make you guys laugh and feel good. That’s what my favourite art does and that’s what I’m trying to do.
‘I get a bit excited.’
‘And, you know what, I’m f***ing proud of myself,’ he concluded, resulting in screams from the crowd.
The whole gig seemed very emotional for the Chocolate hitmaker, who became tearful when he brought his own dad on stage for a duet.
‘I’m getting quite emotional. That was a tough time in my life,’ he said after one song.
He said the band is ‘ironic’ and he likes to ‘try’ things out (Picture: Jeff Spicer/Getty Images)
‘I need to man up. No, no it’s good, ’cause I’ve got my dad.’
Tim Healy – who shares Matty with ex-wife Denise Welch – hugged Matty tightly as he walked out, with his son instantly starting to cry and rub his eyes.
The 71-year-old actor went on to sing while Matty sat behind him smoking.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE : Shania Twain, 57, takes quite the tumble on stage in Illinois – but recovers like a pro
He admits he got some things ‘wrong’.