Westlife singer Mark Feehily has launched a medical negligence lawsuit in the High Court in London against the surgeon who performed his 2020 weight-loss operation, which he alleges led to severe abdominal complications and recurrent sepsis. The 46-year-old Irish vocalist initiated the legal action against bariatric surgeon Nick Carter following a series of health battles that forced him to step back from the pop group.
Surgical Complications and Subsequent Treatments
According to reports in The Times, Feehily’s health difficulties began in August 2020 after he underwent a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, a type of weight-loss surgery. The lawsuit alleges that surgeon Nick Carter failed to remove a sufficient portion of the singer’s stomach during the procedure. The residual tissue allegedly caused an internal leak, triggering severe abdominal infections and repeated hospital admissions for recurring sepsis. By 2023, the ongoing complications necessitated a total gastrectomy, an operation to remove the entire stomach.
Legal representation for the Westlife star is being handled by Leigh Day Solicitors. Suzanne White, a partner at the firm, confirmed the filing at the High Court in London. “We are representing Westlife lead singer, Mark Feehily in a medical negligence claim at the High Court against laparoscopic, upper gastro-intestinal and bariatric surgeon Mr Nick Carter,” White stated. She added that Feehily has faced the challenging period with resilience and appreciates the continued support of his fans, though he will not be commenting further while court proceedings remain ongoing.
Surgeon Nick Carter has been contacted for comment regarding the litigation. According to The Times, he denies negligence.
Impact on Westlife Career and Touring Schedule
The prolonged medical emergency directly impacted Feehily’s participation in Westlife. He previously pulled out of scheduled concerts in 2022 due to a bout of pneumonia. In February 2024, prior to the band’s tour dates, he officially announced he would be stepping back from the band to focus on his recovery.
Westlife originally formed in 1998, featuring bandmates Mark Feehily, Shane Filan, Kian Egan, Nicky Byrne, and Brian McFadden. The group disbanded in 2012 after 14 years together before staging a reunion in 2018 without McFadden, who had departed in 2004. The milestone run includes a 13-night record-breaking residency at the 3Arena in Dublin.
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