Music Festival in Malaysia Cancelled Following Controversial On-Stage Incident
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – The Good Vibes Festival in Malaysia has been abruptly canceled after the lead singer of British band The 1975, Matty Healy, made critical comments about the country’s anti-LGBTQ laws and engaged in a same-sex onstage kiss. The incident occurred during the band’s headline performance on Friday night, sparking outrage and leading to the festival’s cancellation by the Ministry of Communications.
Homosexual acts are illegal in Malaysia and can result in fines and even 20 years of imprisonment. Healy’s expletive-laden speech, captured in a viral video, expressed his frustration with being told who he can have sex with while performing in the country. Healy addressed the young audience, acknowledging that many of them were likely gay and progressive.
The singer stated, “If you want to invite me here to do a show, you can f*** off. I’ll take your money, you can ban me, but I’ve done this before and it doesn’t feel good.” Bassist Ross MacDonald joined Healy on stage and kissed him in a display of solidarity.
The Good Vibes Festival issued a statement following the incident, expressing deep regret and announcing the cancellation of the remaining schedule for the event. The festival emphasized that the decision was in line with the Ministry of Communications and Digital’s directive against any actions that challenge Malaysian laws.
The controversy sparked a debate online, with some fans worrying that The 1975’s actions would further restrict artistic expression and hinder future performances in Malaysia. Members of Malaysia’s LGBTQ community also criticized Healy, describing his actions as “performative” and cautioning against potential consequences for the community.
This incident is not the first time Matty Healy has courted controversy. Earlier this year, he faced criticism for appearing to do a Nazi salute on stage during a performance. In 2019, during a concert in Dubai, Healy defied the region’s anti-LGBT laws by kissing a male fan.
CNN has reached out to the Malaysian Home Affairs Ministry and the Prime Minister’s Office for comments on the incident. Despite the cancellation of the festival, The 1975 remains unapologetic, with Healy expressing gratitude for the support from fans and stating that he wouldn’t change his actions if given the chance again.