Overview

• Thirlwall publicly called out Healy’s June declaration that The 1975 would avoid politics, describing the stance as “disappointing” and arguing artists cannot turn a blind eye to social issues.
• In her Woodsies set at Glastonbury, Thirlwall led chants against Reform UK, welfare cuts, transphobia, protest silencing and arms sales, contrasting her own activism with Healy’s neutral position.
• Coverage of the exchange across outlets from left to right has amplified a polarized social media response, with some condemning Healy’s apolitical turn as complicity and others defending his choice.
• Neither musician has shifted course since the dispute: Healy’s statement remains his official position, and Thirlwall continues to foreground advocacy in her performances.
• Peers such as Perrie Edwards have weighed in by defending performers’ freedom to choose whether to address politics, highlighting a split within the pop community over platform responsibilities.