Matty Healy of The 1975 downplays controversy over racist podcast episode

Matty Healy, frontman of The 1975, has dismissed criticism following a controversial podcast episode in which the host made racist and sexist remarks about rapper Ice Spice. Healy claimed that the February episode of “The Adam Friedland Show” doesn’t “actually matter” and that people who were offended by the content are “deluded”. Healy was a guest on the show and laughed along with the remarks, and was later criticised for his response.

Matty Healy of The 1975 downplayed the controversy surrounding his appearance on the “Adam Friedland Show” podcast, where racist and sexist remarks were made about rapper Ice Spice, stating that those who were offended are “deluded” or “lying.”

Matty Healy, the frontman of British band The 1975, has dismissed the controversy surrounding a guest appearance he made on the “Adam Friedland Show” podcast in February. During the episode, Friedland made racist and sexist comments about rapper Ice Spice, with Healy laughing along and failing to speak up for the artist. Critics called out Healy’s “flagrant racism and complicity” after he encouraged the hosts to imitate a Japanese Nazi.

Despite issuing a lukewarm apology in April, Healy has now claimed that anyone taking offence to the podcast is “deluded or lying”. He described the programme as “bait” for people who enjoy negative news. Speaking to The New Yorker, Healy said that nobody spends their time thinking and worrying about him.

While Healy gained negative publicity when the podcast was first aired, criticism reignited when rumours of a relationship with US singer Taylor Swift, who collaborated with Ice Spice, emerged. A #SpeakUpNow campaign encouraged the 31-year-old to denounce Healy’s earlier statements. Although Swift has yet to confirm the relationship, she performed “Karma” with Ice Spice during her “Eras Tour” at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium over the weekend.

According to a critical fan, Swift should use her platform “responsibly and intentionally” by promoting inclusivity, diversity, empathy and understanding. Healy had previously only stated that he was “a bit sorry” during a concert. No representative for the frontman has commented on the controversy since the New Yorker interview.

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