The 1975's Malaysia Ban Continues as $2.4M Festival Lawsuit Moves Forward
The 1975's Malaysian festival performance in 2023 led to their nationwide ban and an ongoing $2.4 million lawsuit after frontman Matty Healy criticized the country's anti-homosexuality laws and kissed bassist Ross MacDonald on stage.
The 1975 frontman Matty Healy performing
Photo Credit: Matty Healy (The 1975) by Markus Maier / CC by 4.0
Future Sound Asia (FSA), the Good Vibes Festival organizer, initiated legal action against the band for breach of contract. A London judge recently ruled that individual band members cannot be held personally liable, but allowed the case to proceed against The 1975 Productions LLP. FSA must pay $126,000 in legal costs.
The controversy stems from the band's violation of agreed-upon performance guidelines. FSA's attorney revealed that authorities initially hesitated to allow the performance due to Healy's history, only agreeing after receiving assurances of compliance. The band had previously performed at the same festival in 2016, agreeing to avoid swearing, smoking, drinking, undressing, and discussing religion or politics on stage.
During the 2023 performance, the band allegedly:
- Smuggled wine on stage
- Delivered what authorities deemed an "obscene speech"
- Performed a same-sex kiss
Following the incident, The 1975 cancelled subsequent shows in Jakarta and Taiwan. The Malaysian government has permanently blacklisted the band. This wasn't Healy's first such protest - he previously kissed a male fan during a 2019 show in the United Arab Emirates, where homosexuality is also illegal.