The 1975 are facing a $2.4 million lawsuit filed by Malaysia’s Good Vibes Festival following a controversial incident last year when lead singer Matthew Healy kissed band member Ross MacDonald onstage to protest the country’s homophobic laws. The lawsuit comes after the Malaysian government canceled the festival entirely in response to the band’s actions. Healy, during a previous concert in Texas, referred to his experience in Malaysia, suggesting he was “briefly imprisoned” there. He emphasized the responsibility of artists to advocate for liberal values, stating that they should be assessed based on the dangers they face for their beliefs rather than the benefits they receive for conforming to the majority view.
Organizers of the festival, Future Sound Asia, have lodged the lawsuit in the UK’s High Court, alleging that the band willfully disregarded local laws despite multiple warnings. The regulations included prohibitions against on-stage swearing, smoking, drinking, and discussing politics or religion, with a specific ban on kissing. Reports indicate that the band considered canceling their performance but ultimately chose to protest by performing a completely altered setlist, featuring a “provocative speech” from Healy and a notably extended embrace with MacDonald.
During the concert, Healy openly criticized Malaysian policies that impose severe penalties, including imprisonment, for homosexual acts. He addressed the audience directly, expressing his frustration and saying, “If you want to invite me here to do a show, you can fuck off.” The band’s performance was abruptly concluded, with Healy announcing, “All right, we just got banned from Kuala Lumpur. See you later.” Following the festival, the band canceled upcoming shows in Jakarta and Taipei.
Future Sound Asia initiated the lawsuit last year through a legal firm, asserting that Healy had signed an agreement to comply with local regulations. They highlighted the negative impact of the band’s actions, stating, “Their actions have had repercussions on local Malaysian artists and small businesses, who relied on the festival for creative opportunities and their livelihoods.”
After the contentious performance, the 1975 released a statement regarding their canceled show in Jakarta, expressing their disappointment. The band articulated that they take such decisions seriously, noting their eagerness to perform for fans but recognizing that circumstances made it impossible to proceed with the shows.
