Little Mix star Jade Thirlwall isn’t afraid to speak her mind, and she’s recently taken aim at Matty Healy, the lead singer of The 1975, for his decision to avoid discussing politics in his music.Â
In a candid interview with The Guardian, Thirlwall expressed her disappointment with Healy’s stance, saying, “I don’t think you can be a pop artist and cover your eyes. I saw Matty Healy say that he doesn’t want to be political, which I found disappointing.”
Thirlwall didn’t mince words, pointing out the privilege that allows Healy to take a neutral stance on politics.Â
“It’s very easy for someone who’s white and straight and very privileged to say that. Good for you, hun!” she said, highlighting the differences in their approaches to social issues.Â
As a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights, Free Palestine, and other causes, Thirlwall believes it’s essential for artists to use their platforms to speak out on important issues.
Thirlwall’s own performance at Glastonbury this year was a testament to her commitment to using her voice.Â
She led the crowd in a passionate chant of “F-ck you” to reform, welfare cuts, silencing protests, and selling arms, showing that she’s not afraid to take a stand.Â
“I was ready for a backlash from the right kind of people,” she said, anticipating criticism from those who disagree with her views.
Thirlwall’s willingness to speak out on politics isn’t new. Back in 2015, she expressed her disappointment with the parliament’s decision to bomb Isis targets in Syria on the Little Mix Twitter account.Â
“I got in a bit of trouble for that,” she recalled, but her passion for the issue drove her to share her thoughts. Her Arab heritage and personal experience with Islamophobia have informed her perspective on Middle Eastern issues.