Mark Feehily sues surgeon Nick Carter over medical negligence claim
Westlife singer Mark Feehily has launched a medical negligence lawsuit in the High Court in London against UK-based bariatric surgeon Nick Carter. Filed by Leigh Day solicitors, the claim alleges that a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy performed in August 2020 failed to remove enough of the singer’s stomach, leading to severe abdominal infections, recurrent sepsis, and his eventual total gastrectomy in 2023.
The Medical Timeline and Health Complications
The 46-year-old Sligo singer’s health complications began following the bariatric procedure in August 2020. According to reporting in The Sunday Times, the tissue left behind during the initial operation caused a leak. This resulted in severe abdominal infections, recurrent sepsis, and hospital admission over a period of years.
The escalating medical crisis forced Feehily to step back from his professional commitments with Westlife. He pulled out of concerts with the band in 2022 due to pneumonia, and ultimately announced he would be stepping back from the group in February 2024 ahead of their scheduled tour. In 2023, the ongoing complications necessitated a total gastrectomy, an operation to have his entire stomach removed.
Legal Proceedings at the High Court
Feehily’s legal representation, Leigh Day Solicitors, formally filed the medical negligence claim at the High Court in London against Nick Carter. Suzanne White, a partner at Leigh Day, issued a statement detailing the firm’s representation of the Westlife lead singer. “Mark has been dedicated to keeping his fans updated on his health during a period that has been extremely challenging for him, but he has faced it all with his characteristic strength and resilience,” White said. White added that Feehily appreciates the continued support from fans but will not be commenting further to respect the ongoing court process.
Surgeon Nick Carter has been contacted for comment regarding the litigation. Reports indicate that Carter denies negligence.
Tour Context and Band Milestones
The legal action unfolds while Westlife is actively on an anniversary world tour celebrating 25 years since the band first toured together. Formed in 1998, the group originally consisted of Feehily, Shane Filan, Kian Egan, Nicky Byrne, and Brian McFadden. McFadden departed the group in 2004, and the band disbanded in 2012 before reuniting in 2018.
The current trio is wrapping up a record-breaking 13-night residency at the 3Arena in Dublin. That run concludes on a Saturday night before the group travels to perform scheduled shows in Glasgow, Manchester, London, and Cardiff. Across their career, Westlife has sold more than 55 million records, scoring 13 number one singles and nine number one albums in Ireland, with enduring hits including “Flying Without Wings,” “You Raise Me Up,” and “If I Let You Go.”
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