- The 1975 sued over Malaysia concert with Matty Healy kiss
- During the gig, Healy criticised Malaysia’s anti-LGBT laws, used profanity, and kissed a male band member on stage, violating the festival’s strict rules
- Homosexual acts are illegal in Malaysia, and punishable by up to 20 years in prison
- Festival rules also prohibit discussing politics and religion, swearing, smoking, or drinking on stage
- The lawsuit, filed in the UK’s High Court, accuses the band of deliberately intending to cause offense
The 1975 sued over Malaysia concert with Matty Healy kiss
The organisers of the Good Vibes Festival in Kuala Lumpur are suing British band The 1975 for £1.9 million ($2.4 million) after frontman Matty Healy’s actions led to the event’s cancellation. During their performance last July, Healy criticised Malaysia’s anti-LGBT laws, used profanity, and kissed a male band member on stage, violating the festival’s strict rules.
Homosexual acts are illegal in Malaysia, and punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Festival rules also prohibit discussing politics and religion, swearing, smoking, or drinking on stage. The band allegedly breached these guidelines despite being reminded multiple times, according to the organisers, Future Sound Asia.
The lawsuit, filed in the UK’s High Court, accuses the band of deliberately intending to cause offense. It also claims Healy smuggled a bottle of wine on stage. The Malaysian authorities cancelled the remainder of the festival, citing a firm stance against actions that challenge local laws.
Healy’s actions faced backlash not only from the festival organisers but also from Malaysia’s LGBT community, who felt his “performative activism” could worsen their situation. The band has not commented on the lawsuit. They are also facing a separate class action from other musicians and vendors for loss of earnings due to the festival’s abrupt end.