The 1975 banned in Malaysia after Matty Healy kisses male bandmate
The 1975 has been banned from performing in Malaysia after lead singer Matty Healy kissed a male bandmate during a concert, violating the country’s strict anti-LGBTQIA+ laws. Healy, a 34-year-old British pop rock artist, took the stage at the Good Vibes Festival in Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, and expressed his disapproval of the country’s policies in a lengthy speech. He admitted to his fans that he had made a mistake by not researching the laws before booking the show. Healy criticized the government for restricting the band’s freedom to engage in consensual relationships. The 1975’s performance in Malaysia was ultimately canceled due to the controversy surrounding Healy’s actions.
Healy considered canceling the concert altogether due to his personal beliefs, but he didn’t want to punish his fans for the government’s actions. Addressing the crowd, he acknowledged that many of his fans were gay, progressive, and supportive, and he didn’t want to let them down just because of the government’s stance. Healy made it clear that he was willing to face the consequences of his actions, even if it meant being banned from performing in Malaysia. In an act of protest, he kissed his bandmate Ross MacDonald on stage.
Under Malaysian law, same-sex activity is illegal and carries a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment with whipping. Following Healy’s stunt, he announced that the band had been banned from Kuala Lumpur and promptly left the stage. The Good Vibes Festival organizers released a statement apologizing to ticket holders, vendors, sponsors, and partners for the cancellation of the event. They cited Healy’s controversial conduct and remarks as the reason for the cancellation.
Healy responded to the festival’s statement on his Instagram Stories, jokingly suggesting that they should try not making out with his bandmate for 20 years. However, his actions received criticism from Malaysian fans, who expressed their disapproval on Healy’s Instagram account.
The festival’s decision to ban The 1975 has been widely praised by Malaysians who support the country’s anti-LGBTQIA+ laws. Some fans commented on Healy’s Instagram, urging him to familiarize himself with the laws and regulations of the countries he performs in and to show respect to their culture.
TheFantasyTimes reached out to The 1975 and Healy’s representatives for comment on the ban and backlash but did not receive an immediate response. However, a source close to the band stated that Healy and the band have always been vocal advocates for the LGBTQ+ community and wanted to support their LGBTQ+ fans and community. This is not the first time Healy has protested anti-LGBTQIA+ policies. In a 2019 concert in Dubai, where homosexuality is also illegal, he kissed a male fan and expressed his love for the audience despite the consequences.
It is important to note that despite his actions, Healy does not identify as gay. He has stated in interviews that he finds men objectively beautiful but does not feel sexual attraction towards them.
In conclusion, The 1975 has been banned from performing in Malaysia due to Matty Healy’s on-stage kiss with his bandmate, which violated the country’s anti-LGBTQIA+ laws. Healy expressed his disapproval of the government’s policies and chose not to cancel the concert to avoid punishing his fans. The band’s actions have sparked controversy and received both praise and criticism from fans and Malaysians alike.
The 1975 has been prohibited from performing in Malaysia after frontman Matty Healy kissed a male bandmate onstage, breaking the country’s strict anti-LGBTQIA+ laws.
The British pop rock band’s outspoken lead singer, 34, took the stage at the Good Vibes Festival Friday in Kuala Lumpur, the Asian nation’s capital, and gave a lengthy speech to slam the country’s policies.
“I made a mistake. When we were booking shows, I wasn’t looking into it,” Healy admitted to his fans.
“I don’t see the f–king point … of inviting the 1975 to a country and then telling us who we can have sex with.”
He continued, “I’m sorry if that offends you, and you’re religious … but your government are a bunch of f–king r–s. I don’t care anymore. If you push, I’m gonna push back. I’m not in the f–king mood.”
Healy said he contemplated cancelling the concert due to his beliefs, but thought he didn’t want to punish his fans for their government.
For more TheFantasyTimes you love …
“I’m sure a lot of you are gay and progressive and cool,” the “Love It If We Made It” singer noted while wielding a bottle of wine, as the crowd broke out into cheers.
“I pulled this show yesterday, and we had a conversation. We said, ‘You know what? We can’t let the kids down because they’re not the government.’”
Healy added, “If you want to invite me here to do a show, you can f–ck off. I’ll take your money, you can ban me, but I’ve done this before, and it doesn’t feel good.”
The British rocker then walked over to The 1975’s bassist, Ross MacDonald, and planted a lengthy kiss on him.
According to Malaysian law, same-sex activity is illegal and carries a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment with whipping.
Following Healy’s stunt, the “Sincerity Is Scary” singer walked off the stage and said, “Alright, we gotta go. We just got banned from Kuala Lumpur, I’ll see you later.”
The Good Vibes Festival subsequently released a statement, letting fans know that Malaysia’s Ministry of Communications and Digital had cancelled the three-day event due to the “controversial conduct and remarks” made by Healy.
“We sincerely apologise to all our ticket holders, vendors, sponsors, and partners,” they added. “We are aware of the time, energy and efforts you have put into making this festival a success, and we value your steadfast support.”
Healy responded to the statement via his Instagram Stories Saturday, writing in jest, “Ok well why don’t you try and not make out with Ross for 20 years. Not as easy at it looks.”
The festival’s decision has been widely praised by several Malaysians, many of whom took to Healy’s Instagram to voice their opinions.
“Please read the contract before you agree to perform in Malaysia or any other country,” one user wrote. “If you are too busy to even bother about the laws & regulations, let the managers do the s–t. Clearly you are selfish & disrespectful.”
Another commented, “You can do whatever u like in your own country, do not come and do something uncivilized in Malaysia.”
TheFantasyTimes has reached out to The 1975 and Healy’s reps for comment on the ban and backlash, but did not immediately hear back.
However, a source close to the band tells TheFantasyTimes Saturday, “Matty has a long-time record of advocating for the LGBTQ+ community, and the band wanted to stand up for their LGBTQ+ fans and community.”
Healy has openly protested anti-LGBTQIA policies before. In 2019, he kissed a male fan at his concert in Dubai, where homosexuality is also illegal.
“Thank you Dubai you were so amazing,” Healey wrote in a since-deleted tweet after the show. “I don’t think we’ll be allowed back due to my ‘behaviour’ but know that I love you and I wouldn’t have done anything differently given the chance again.”
Despite being very comfortable making out with men, Healy does not identify as gay.
“I see things as objectively beautiful, so men can be objectively beautiful. Sometimes, I see men and I’m like, ‘Fuck me, he’s peng!’” the “Somebody Else” singer told Attitude magazine in December 2019.
“Then sexuality gets changed for me because I would, and have, kissed beautiful men, but I don’t want to f–k them. It stops for me when it comes to [sex].”
