The most recent development in a long string of alleged Matty Healy controversies sees the ever-divisive frontman face potential legal action over his on-stage behaviour at the Good Vibes festival in Malaysia last month.
During The 1975’s headline set in Kuala Lumpur, Healy had launched into a profanity-laden speech, declaring:
“I don’t see the fucking point of inviting The 1975 to a country and then telling us who we can have sex with. […] Unfortunately, you don’t get a set of loads of uplifting songs because I’m fucking furious. And that’s not fair on you, because you’re not representative of your government. Because you’re young people, and I’m sure a lot of you are gay and progressive and cool.”
In an attempt to demonstrate his disdain for the country’s punitive anti-LGBTQ+ laws, he then kissed bassist Ross MacDonald, initially inducing cheers and wolf-whistling from the crowd. Thirty minutes later and seven songs into their set, the band were asked to leave with immediate effect.
Watch Healy’s speech below:
The following day, Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced the cancellation of the entire three-day festival, much to the disappointment of thousands of ticket-holders.
“There will be no compromise with any party that challenges, belittles or violates Malaysian laws,” he said in a statement on Facebook.
The incident divided the court of public opinion, with some praising Healy for drawing global attention to the country’s persecution of its queer citizens, and others condemning him for disrespecting their culture.
Now, the Good Vibes festival promotors, Future Sound Asia (FSA) are threatening to take legal action against The 1975 if they do not acknowledge liability and pay £2.1m in damages within the next seven days.
The official statement adds:
“FSA would like to reiterate their strong disapproval of the band’s behaviour during their performance at GVF 2023. In particular, lead singer Matthew Timothy Healy’s use of abusive language, equipment damage, and indecent stage behaviour not only flagrantly breached local guidelines and Malaysian laws but also tarnished the reputation of the 10-year-old festival.”
According to the promotors, Healy’s representative had provided a pre-show assurance that The 1975’s live performance would adhere to all local guidelines during their set – yet the assurance was ignored, with the band breaching the terms of their contract with FSA.
During his speech, Healy admitted he had “made a mistake” by agreeing to play in Malaysia, but decided to go ahead with the show anyway, since he couldn’t “let the kids down because they’re not the government”.
See below for The 1975 UK tour dates:
27/08/2023 – Leeds Festival – Leeds
Get tickets here.
