Westlife singer Mark Feehily is suing a surgeon for medical negligence in a case filed at the High Court. The 46-year-old Irish performer alleges that a weight-loss procedure, specifically a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy performed in August 2020, led to a series of severe medical complications.
According to his legal team at Leigh Day Solicitors, the complications stemmed from the surgeon, Nick Carter, allegedly failing to remove a sufficient portion of the singer’s stomach. This oversight reportedly left behind tissue that triggered a leak, causing persistent abdominal infections and recurring sepsis. These health struggles eventually necessitated a major surgery in 2023 to remove the singer’s entire stomach. Recurrent sepsis and hospital admission until in 2023 he had to undergo an operation to have his entire stomach removed, known as a gastrectomy, the tissue left behind allegedly caused a leak leading to severe abdominal infections.
Suzanne White, a partner at Leigh Day, confirmed the firm is representing the singer in the High Court claim against Mr. Carter, a specialist in laparoscopic, upper gastro-intestinal, and bariatric surgery. Regarding the ongoing legal proceedings, White noted that the singer would not be providing further comments to respect the court process. She added that Feehily appreciates the continued support from his fans as he navigates this difficult period.
While Mr. Carter has been contacted for comment, reports indicate that he denies the allegations of negligence.
The singer’s health journey has significantly impacted his career. Prior to his hiatus from the band in February 2024, Feehily had dealt with recurring health issues. In 2022, he was forced to pull out of several Westlife concerts after suffering from pneumonia. These challenges followed years of public transparency regarding his medical condition.
Formed in 1998, the band originally featured Feehily alongside Shane Filan, Kian Egan, Nicky Byrne, and Brian McFadden. Although the group disbanded in 2012, they reunited in 2018 without McFadden, who had departed in 2004. The remaining trio is currently active, recently completing a record-breaking 13-night residency at Dublin’s 3Arena as part of an anniversary tour marking 25 years since the group first performed together.
Following the conclusion of the Dublin residency, the tour is scheduled to continue with shows in Glasgow, Manchester, London, and Cardiff. Westlife remains one of the most successful acts in British music history, boasting over 55 million record sales, 14 UK number one singles, and eight number one albums. The band is widely recognized for enduring hits such as “Flying Without Wings,” “If I Let You Go,” and “You Raise Me Up.”
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