Matty Healy, the lead singer of English pop rock band The 1975, has not backed down after his band was banned from performing in Malaysia due to his criticism of the country’s anti-LGBTQIA+ laws. Healy made headlines when he went on a profanity-laden rant during their set at the Good Vibes Festival in Kuala Lumpur, where same-sex activity is illegal. In defiance of the ban, Healy took to his Instagram Stories to mock the decision, stating, “Ok well why don’t you try and not make out with Ross for 20 years. Not as easy as it looks.” Healy, 34, also shared photos of his close friendship with his male bassist, Ross MacDonald, and posted a video of a speech by author Christopher Hitchens, emphasizing that homosexuality is a form of love.
Advocating for LGBTQ+ Rights
A source close to Healy confirmed that the frontman has a long-standing history of advocating for the LGBTQ+ community. The band wanted to show support for their LGBTQ+ fans and community by speaking out against discriminatory laws. The cancellation of their performance at the Good Vibes Festival sparked a wider conversation about LGBTQ+ rights in Malaysia and the band’s commitment to standing up for their principles.
The Fallout and Canceled Tour
Following Healy’s rant and same-sex kiss on stage, the Good Vibes Festival was abruptly canceled. Healy expressed regret for not researching the country’s laws before agreeing to perform and criticized the government, calling them derogatory names. However, he also acknowledged the importance of not letting down their fans, stating, “We can’t let the kids down because they’re not the government.” Despite the ban, Healy and the band still decided to go through with the performance. Unfortunately, their Asia Tour, which included stops in Jakarta, Indonesia, and Taipei, Taiwan, was canceled due to the controversy.
The festival organizers issued a statement on social media, apologizing to ticket holders, vendors, sponsors, and partners for the cancellation. They explained that the Ministry of Communications and Digital in Malaysia had issued an immediate cancellation directive, citing their firm stance against any actions that challenge or ridicule Malaysian laws. The statement specifically mentioned Healy’s conduct and remarks as the reason for the cancellation.
Matty Healy’s defiance of the ban and his continued support for the LGBTQ+ community has sparked a conversation about human rights and freedom of expression in Malaysia. While the band’s performance was canceled, the incident has shed light on the discriminatory laws and the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights in the country.