Matty Healy's Anti-LGBT Law Protest In Malaysia Might Cost The 1975 $2.7 Million

UK band The 1975 is facing a $2.7 Million damages claim by Future Sound Asia (FSA) due to an alleged contract breach during a Malaysian music festival. Lead singer Matty Healy's protest against anti-LGBT laws included an on-stage kiss with a bandmate. FSA contends that Healy's actions disrupted the event, leading to its cancellation.

Healy's speech highlighted support for gay rights and frustration with local guidelines. FSA's legal action focuses on the contract breach's impact on local artists and businesses. The Malaysian Ministry of Communications blacklisted the band and ordered event cancellation, citing Healy's actions as a "rude act." 

Keep on reading to learn more.

The 1975 faces a $2.7 million damages claim from organizers Future Sound Asia (FSA) for an alleged contract breach at a Malaysian music festival, per Daily Mail.

The claim arises from frontman Matty Healy's on-stage kiss with a bandmate in protest against anti-LGBT laws in Malaysia. FSA contends that they received a "pre-show written assurance" the band's set would follow "local guidelines and regulations."

According to the FSA, Healy's speech and actions during the festival in Kuala Lumpur were deemed disruptive, leading to the event's cancellation. FSA holds The 1975 responsible for the abrupt cancellation of the three-day event and the subsequent absence of headliners The Kid Laroi and The Strokes.

Last month, Healy made a controversial speech during the festival at Kuala Lumpur reflecting his support for gay rights, stating, "I do not see the point of inviting The 1975 to a country and then telling us who we can have sex with."

He acknowledged his oversight in booking shows and expressed frustration at the lack of uplifting songs in the set due to his anger, adding, "Unfortunately, you don't get a set of loads of uplifting songs because I'm f*cking furious and that's not fair on you, because you're not representative of your government because you are young people, and I'm sure a lot of you are gay and progressive and cool."

Following his speech, Healy shared a passionate kiss with the band's bassist Ross MacDonald on stage before ending the show.

David Mathew, legal counsel for Future Sound Asia (FSA), emphasized that the claim against The 1975 revolves around a breach of contract. FSA asserts that the band entered into a binding agreement to perform, which they allegedly violated.

He mentioned that Matty Healy's representative had provided a written assurance that the performance would adhere to local guidelines and regulations, which was disregarded.

Mathew underlined that FSA's actions aim to address the breach's impact on "local artists and small businesses who rely on the festival for their livelihoods." "In this connection, Future Sound Asia wishes to move forward in a way that will give the Malaysian community affected some closure," he added, per Daily Mail.

FSA previously said legal proceedings in English courts would ensue if the final warning is not heeded.

In response to the incident, the Malaysian Ministry of Communications and Digital placed The 1975 on a blacklist managed by a body overseeing foreign artists performing in Malaysia.

Promising swift action, Malaysian Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil characterized the on-stage kiss as a "very rude act" and ordered the immediate cancellation of the three-day festival after discussions with organizers.

He stressed the importance of respecting local culture and not offending the sensitivities of the community, writing in a tweet, "Never touch the sensitivities of the community, especially those that are against the manners and values of the local culture."

Following this sanction, the band decided to cancel two upcoming tour dates in Asia, one at the We The Fest in Jakarta, Indonesia, and another at the Taipei Music Centre in Taiwan.

This isn't the first time that Healy has used on-stage moments to voice his stance. In a 2019 concert in the United Arab Emirates, which also enforces strict anti-LGBTQ laws, Healy kissed a male fan as a form of protest.