Westlife member Mark Feehily is pursuing legal action against a surgeon over complications arising from a weight loss operation he underwent in 2020. The Irish vocalist, 46, announced a hiatus from the group in 2024 due to health issues. According to court documents, the complications began after Feehily had a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy at Spire Portsmouth Hospital in Hampshire. He has launched a medical negligence lawsuit against bariatric surgeon Nick Carter, alleging that the procedure caused recurring sepsis. The documents claim that Carter did not remove enough of Feehily's stomach, leading to a dangerous leak and severe abdominal infections. Feehily's legal team at Leigh Day Solicitors filed the claim at the High Court. Partner Suzanne White stated that the legal team is representing Feehily in the case against Carter. The claim is valued at more than £200,000, with the possibility of a larger sum if successful. Carter denies negligence, stating that some tissue remained after the operation and that a leak occurred at the staple line, which he claims was a recognized complication in approximately 1% of cases. Carter's legal team at the Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland declined to comment due to the ongoing court battle. Feehily kept the specifics of his illness private for a long time before revealing his health struggles in a February 2024 statement. He explained that he was stepping back from Westlife temporarily to recover from life-threatening sepsis following another surgery. Feehily was rushed to A&E in extreme pain in 2020 and remained hospitalized until December of that year after emergency surgery. He underwent a gastrectomy in May 2023 to have his entire stomach removed and had a fourth operation in late 2023 to repair an incisional hernia. His bandmates, Shane Filan, Kian Egan, and Nicky Byrne, released a joint statement wishing him well. Westlife, formed in 1998, originally included Brian McFadden, who left in 2004 and did not return for the 2018 reunion. The trio is currently touring to celebrate their 25th anniversary, including a 13-night residency at 3Arena in Dublin, with shows in Glasgow, Manchester, London, and Cardiff to follow. Feehily is hosting Mark Feehily’s Musical Icons on RTÉ Radio 1 while continuing his recovery. His bandmates have left the door open for his return when he is ready.