The 1975 have canceled their shows in Taiwan and Indonesia. Frontman Matt Healy kissed another male bandmate during a 3-day music festival held in Kuala Lampur (Malaysia) causing the Malaysian government to shut the festival down.

The 1975 continues their protest. Or so it seems, after the Malaysian Government shut down the Good Vibes Festival completely due to a kiss between Matt Healy, the frontman, and Ross MacDonald, the bassist.

The Independent reported that the government, in which homosexual acts are prohibited, called Healy’s behavior “extremely rude,” which included the kiss, as well as criticisms of the government’s anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation. The government closed the festival's final two days.

Healy admitted that he "made a big mistake" by agreeing to perform at the festival. This was according to Deadline. He told the audience, "I didn't look into it when we were booking shows." "I don't get it, right?" he said. "I don't see the point in inviting the 1975 into a country, and then telling us whom we can have sexual relations with."

He continued, "I'm so sorry if this offends you. You're religious and it's a part of your f---ing gov't." "I don’t care any more. If you push, I'm gonna push back. "I'm not in a f---ing mood."

He said the band considered canceling the appearance but decided to honor it because they did not want to disappoint their fanbase. In Malaysia, homosexuality can be punished by up to twenty years of prison.

Healy said, according to The AV Club, "Unfortunately, I don't have a bunch of uplifting tunes because I am fucking angry." "That's not fair, because you are not representative of the government." You are young, and I am sure that many of you are homosexual and progressive.

"It is ridiculous, f---ing absurd, to tell the people what they can use with this and that," he added. If you want to have me perform a show here, then you should f--- off. I'll take the money. "You can ban me but I've already done it before and it feels bad." Shortly after, the band's performance was halted.

Official statement from @goodvibesfest pic.twitter.com/XqsWegteWt

Good Vibes Festival @GoodVibesFest July 22, 2023

The statement was released by organizers overnight on Friday. "We regretfully announce that Good Vibes Festival's remaining schedule, which had been planned for today and tomorrow, has been cancelled due to the controversial remarks and conduct of UK artist Matty Healy, from the band The 1975.

The Huffington Post noted that this wasn't the first protest Healy had made in order to oppose anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation. He kissed male fan at a concert in the United Arab Emirate to protest against their government.

The band cancelled unexpectedly their scheduled stops in Taipei and Jakarta for the We the Fest festival after the incident in Malaysia.

The 1975 regrets to announce that their upcoming shows in Jakarta Taipei and will not be proceeding as planned.

Please read the official statement by the band. pic.twitter.com/XpZskFnyeD

We The Fest (@WeTheFest), July 23, 2023

The band posted a statement on the We the Fest page of Instagram after the incident at Kuala Lampur.

Indonesian laws are less strict than those of Malaysia. There is no national law that criminalizes homosexual acts, but some local laws discriminate against LGBTQIA+ people. Taiwan has no laws of this nature at any level.

-----------------------------------

Title: Matt Healy Kisses Bandmate to Protest Malaysia's Anti-LGBTQIA+ Laws, Leads to Festival Shutdown
Sourced From: www.toofab.com/2023/07/23/matt-healy-kisses-bandmate-protest-malaysian-anti-lgbtq-laws-festival-shutdown/
Published Date: Sun, 23 Jul 2023 18:52:51 +0000

Read More