Markus Feehily reveals he was subjected to vile homophobic abuse: ‘I was shocked’

The former Westlife singer described an incident in his hometown when he was forced to flee a pub

Former Westlife singer Markus Feehily has revealed he was once forced to flee a pub after being subjected to vile homophobic abuse.

The Irish ex boybander, who has now launched a solo career, recalled an incident in Dublin, when a group starting chanting abuse.

Speaking to The Sun, Markus explained it was the first time he had been targeted in such a way, described the experience as “intimidating” and “upsetting”.

Markus in Westlife (Image:WIREIMAGE)
He said: “A man asked to take a picture of me then four of his friends crowded round yelling ‘What the f*** are you doing? Why are you having a photo with him – you gay? You queer!”

Markus described the experience as “intimidating” and “upsetting”.

He said: “We left quickly, the fear kicks in. I was shocked.”

Talking about more needing to be done to crack down on homophobic abuse, he said: “It would be a mistake to think it’s over. Things are far from where they need to be.”

Bryan left the group in 2004
Westlife originally started as a five piece before Bryan McFadden called it quits and left the band in 2004.

The group continued with the four remaining members for a further eight years, before going their separate ways in 2012.

Markus has teamed up with Mojam, the same producers who have worked with the likes of Emeli Sande, for his new track Love Is a Drug, which is out now.