The 1975 Faces $2.4M Malaysian Lawsuit Following 2023 Festival Ban
The Malaysian festival organizer Future Sound Asia (FSA) is pursuing a $2.4 million lawsuit against The 1975 following a controversial performance that led to the festival's shutdown in 2023. The incident occurred when frontman Matty Healy criticized Malaysia's anti-homosexuality laws and kissed bassist Ross MacDonald on stage during the Good Vibes Festival.
The 1975 frontman Matty Healy performing
A London judge recently ruled that individual band members cannot be held personally liable, dismissing claims against them as "bad as a matter of law." However, the case will proceed against The 1975 Productions LLP, with FSA required to pay $126,000 in legal costs.
FSA's attorney revealed that authorities initially refused the band's performance due to concerns about Healy's drug history. The festival only proceeded after the band agreed to follow specific guidelines. These included restrictions from their 2016 performance: no swearing, smoking, drinking, undressing, or discussing religion or politics on stage.
According to FSA's legal team, the band "deliberately provoked" authorities by:
- Smuggling wine on stage
- Delivering an "obscene speech"
- Performing the same-sex kiss
Following the incident, The 1975:
- Cancelled subsequent shows in Jakarta and Taiwan
- Received a permanent ban from performing in Malaysia
- Faced legal action for breach of contract
This wasn't Healy's first such protest - he previously kissed a male fan during a 2019 show in the United Arab Emirates, where same-sex activity is also illegal.