Westlife star Mark Feehily is taking legal action against a surgeon after a weight loss operation he claims nearly killed him. The 46-year-old Irish singer has launched a medical negligence lawsuit against bariatric surgeon Nick Carter over a procedure performed in August 2020 at Spire Portsmouth Hospital in Hampshire.
Claims of negligence and sepsis
According to The Times, Feehily claims in court documents that Carter failed to remove enough of his stomach during a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. The tissue left behind allegedly caused a dangerous leak, leading to severe abdominal infections, recurrent sepsis, and a hospital admission.
In 2023, Feehily underwent another operation, a gastrectomy, to have his entire stomach removed. His legal team at Leigh Day Solicitors filed the claim at the High Court, with partner Suzanne White saying: 'We are representing Westlife lead singer Mark Feehily in a medical negligence claim at the High Court against laparoscopic, upper gastrointestinal and bariatric surgeon Mr Nick Carter.'
White added: '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.' She noted that Feehily 'very much appreciates the continued support' and, 'in order to respect the ongoing court process, he will not be commenting at this time.'
Surgeon's response
The claim is valued at more than £200,000, but a larger sum could be demanded if successful. Carter denies negligence, with court records showing he filed a defence in January denying liability. He accepts that some tissue remained after the operation and that there was a leak at the staple line, but claims 'leakage was a recognised complication' in approximately 1% of cases.
Carter's legal team at Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland declined to comment due to the ongoing court battle. He has denied having direct contact with Feehily, as the procedure was arranged through a private weight loss medical group.
Health struggles and hiatus
Feehily kept the specifics of his illness private until February 2024, when he released a statement explaining he would step back from Westlife temporarily as he recovered from life-threatening sepsis following another surgery. He said he was departing Westlife's US tour with 'the utmost level of regret' but insisted his recovery was the 'absolute priority'.
He told fans that three-and-a-half years earlier, he was rushed to A&E in extreme pain and admitted to intensive care. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, he was not permitted visitors and remained hospitalised until December that year following emergency surgery. His stomach was removed in May 2023, and he had a fourth operation in Dublin in late 2023 to repair a large incisional hernia.
His bandmates, Shane Filan, Kian Egan, and Nicky Byrne, released a joint statement wishing him well. Westlife, formed in 1998 and originally including Brian McFadden, who left in 2004, is now touring to celebrate their 25th anniversary, with a 13-night residency at 3Arena in Dublin and shows in Glasgow, Manchester, London, and Cardiff. Feehily is hosting Mark Feehily's Musical Icons on RTÉ Radio 1 while continuing his recovery, and his bandmates have left the door open for his return when he's ready.
