Westlife star Mark Feehily is suing a surgeon over complications he says began after weight-loss surgery at a private hospital in Hampshire, alleging the procedure led to recurring sepsis, severe abdominal infections and ultimately the removal of his entire stomach.According to The Times, Feehily, 46, claims in court documents that the problems began after he underwent a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy at Spire Portsmouth Hospital in August 2020. The procedure is a type of weight-loss surgery.The musician alleges that bariatric surgeon Nick Carter failed to remove enough of his stomach during the operation, leaving behind tissue that later became infected. According to Feehily’s claim, this resulted in a dangerous leak, recurrent sepsis and severe abdominal complications.Carter denies negligence and has argued that the leak was a recognised complication of the procedure.
Mark Feehily says complications began days after surgery
Feehily claims that just days after undergoing the surgery, he experienced severe pain and was rushed to hospital, where he developed complications that progressed to sepsis.He subsequently spent months in intensive care during the Covid-19 pandemic and required emergency surgery.The health problems continued over the following years. In late 2021, Feehily became seriously ill ahead of a scheduled concert and was diagnosed with pneumonia and a chest infection.The illness forced him to miss performances during Westlife’s Wild Dreams Tour and became another major setback in his recovery.Feehily says he continued to experience complications connected to his earlier illness and surgeries, eventually developing a large incisional hernia – a weakness or tear in the abdominal wall at the site of a previous surgical incision.He has undergone at least four major surgeries related to his health problems since 2020, according to the report.
Feehily claims his entire stomach had to be removed
According to the legal claim, the complications eventually resulted in Feehily undergoing an operation in May 2023 to have his entire stomach removed.The court proceedings will examine whether Carter was negligent and whether Feehily’s severe complications were caused by the surgeon’s actions.Carter filed a defence earlier this year denying liability, according to court records. However, he acknowledged that a portion of stomach tissue remained following the operation and that a leak developed at the staple line.His defence argues that leaving the portion of tissue was appropriate and that leakage is a recognised complication of the procedure. Carter’s legal team has stated that such leakage occurs in approximately 1% of cases and does not necessarily indicate negligence.The surgeon also argues that the agreement for Feehily’s treatment was made through Streamline Surgical, a private weight-loss and bariatric medical group that treats patients at Spire Portsmouth Hospital, rather than through a personal contract between Carter and Feehily.Carter’s legal team said that, because the proceedings remain ongoing, it would not be appropriate to comment further on the allegations.
Mark Feehily’s lawsuit is valued at more than £200,000
The claim was lodged with the High Court in 2025 and is currently valued at more than £200,000.However, Feehily’s legal team at Leigh Day Solicitors has outlined a baseline threshold that allows the case to proceed at the highest court level and potentially permits a larger sum to be claimed if he succeeds.A preliminary split trial is expected to take place between May 28 and July 31. The first stage will determine whether Carter was negligent and whether his actions caused Feehily’s complications. If Feehily is successful, damages will not be determined during this preliminary period.Witness statements are expected to be filed on Monday, followed by expert surgical and radiology reports in November.Suzanne White, a partner at Leigh Day, said Feehily had remained committed to keeping his fans informed about his health while dealing with an “extremely challenging” period.“Mark very much appreciates the continued support,” she said. “In order to respect the ongoing court process, he will not be commenting at this time.”
Why Mark Feehily stopped touring with Westlife
Feehily stepped down from touring with Westlife in February 2024 after a brief hiatus in late 2022.His health struggles have affected his ability to perform with the group, although he has continued to remain involved in broadcasting.In December 2025, Feehily shared an update with fans after the band launched its major world tour.He said it had been difficult watching Westlife begin the tour knowing he could not be there with them, while expressing pride in the group and gratitude for the support he had received throughout his career.Feehily also explained that he was not yet physically or mentally ready to undertake a major world tour.“All of this really drives home the honest truth that I’m simply not ready to take on a massive world tour yet,” he wrote.“My body and my mind need time.”He added that continuing to work in a less physically demanding capacity was important for him and said he felt fortunate to be able to take on a radio role.Despite being unable to return to the stage for Westlife’s world tour, Feehily has taken on broadcast work, including hosting Mark Feehily’s Musical Icons on RTE Radio 1.
