Jade Thirlwall Slams Matty Healy’s Apolitical Stance: “You Can’t Cover Your Eyes”
London, UK – Pop sensation Jade Thirlwall has voiced critically important criticism of The 1975 frontman Matty Healy, following his recent declaration that he wishes to steer his band away from political messaging.Thirlwall, known for her outspoken advocacy on issues such as LGBT+ rights and a free Palestine, directly addressed Healy’s stance, asserting that artists cannot afford to remain detached from societal issues.
During a performance at Glastonbury Festival in June 2025, Healy announced The 1975’s “conscious decision” to embrace political neutrality. “We honestly don’t want our legacy to be one of politics,” he stated. “We don’t need more politics. We need more love and friendship.”
However, Thirlwall, who achieved fame with the record-breaking girl group little Mix before launching her solo career in 2022, found Healy’s comments to be “disappointing.” In a recent interview with The Guardian, she argued, “I don’t think you can be a pop artist and cover your eyes. It’s very easy for someone who’s white and straight and very privileged to say that. Good for you, hun!”
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A History of Activism
Thirlwall’s own career has been marked by a consistent engagement with political and social causes. While performing at the Woodsies stage at Glastonbury, she used her platform to protest against policies and issues such as the Reform UK party, welfare cuts, restrictions on protest, and the arms trade.
Her commitment to activism dates back to her time with Little Mix. In 2015, Thirlwall controversially used the group’s official Twitter account to express her strong opposition to a parliamentary vote authorizing airstrikes in Syria. She later admitted,”I got in a bit of trouble for that but I felt very passionate about it.”
This incident highlights her long-standing willingness to speak out, even when it came with professional risks. She recalled signing off the tweet with her initial, “xxJadexx,” underscoring her personal investment in the message.
Matty Healy’s Past Controversies
While Healy has now called for political neutrality, his past actions demonstrate a history of provocative and politically charged moments. In 2023, during The 1975’s performance at Malaysia’s Good Vibes Festival, Healy spoke out against the country’s anti-LGBT+ laws and shared a kiss with bandmate Ross macdonald. This act resulted in the festival’s cancellation and a ban for the band from Malaysia.
In the same year, healy was also criticized for appearing to make a Nazi salute on stage during a rendition of The 1975’s song “Love It If We Made It,” in apparent reference to kanye West’s antisemitic remarks at the time. Healy’s representatives did not comment on the incident when approached by the press.
Navigating Racism and Identity
Thirlwall also shared her personal experiences with racism, detailing how she and her mother faced numerous microaggressions and racial slurs growing up in South Shields. The Black Lives Matter protests in 2020 served as a catalyst for her family to confront the lasting trauma of these experiences.
“In that moment we had to be like, actually it’s not OK for people to call us those things,” Thirlwall recounted. Her mother had to confront individuals she had known for years,leading to a necessary separation from those who did not acknowledge or change their behavior.
| Artist | Stance on Politics in Music | Key Activist Issues | Notable Past Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jade thirlwall | Believes artists cannot ignore politics. | LGBT+ Rights,Free Palestine | protested government policies on Twitter (2015) |
| Matty Healy | Seeks political neutrality for band’s legacy. | Previously spoke out against anti-LGBT+ laws. | Kissed bandmate on stage (Malaysia, 2023); Nazi salute gesture (2023) |
The Evolving role of Artists in Society
The debate between engaging with political discourse and maintaining artistic neutrality is a recurring theme in the entertainment industry. Historically, artists have often served as powerful voices for social change, using their platforms to raise awareness and inspire action. From protest songs of the 1960s to contemporary calls for justice, music has frequently been intertwined with political movements.
Did You No? Many artists find that engaging with social issues can deepen their connection with fans and lend authenticity to their work. For example, Beyoncé’s politically charged performances and visual albums have been widely praised for their cultural impact and advocacy.
Pro Tip: Understanding an artist’s background and personal experiences can provide valuable context for their views on social and political issues. Thirlwall’s advocacy, as an example, is deeply rooted in her own experiences with racism and her commitment to human rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Jade Thirlwall believes it’s impossible for pop artists to remain apolitical and found Matty Healy’s stance disappointing,suggesting it’s easier for someone with privilege to make such a statement.
Thirlwall is a strong supporter of LGBT+ rights and a vocal advocate for a free Palestine, often using her platform to protest against social and political injustices.
At The 1975’s Glastonbury set in June 2025, Healy stated “We don’t need more politics. We need more love and friendship,” expressing a desire for the band’s legacy to be free of political association.
Yes, Healy has a history of political engagement, including speaking out against anti-LGBT+ laws in Malaysia in 2023, which led to the cancellation of a festival and a ban for his band.
Thirlwall rose to prominence on ‘The X factor’ in 2011 as part of the girl group Little Mix, which she left to pursue a solo career in 2022.
Following her solo debut in July 2024, Thirlwall was awarded ‘Best Pop Act of the Year’ at the 2025 BRIT Awards.
What are your thoughts on artists taking political stances? Share your views in the comments below and join the conversation on the role of music in society.
