Future Sound Asia, the organizers behind the Good Vibes music festival in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, are pursuing a lawsuit for 12.3 million ringgit (equivalent to $2.7 million) in losses incurred due to the actions of British band The 1975. The company has reportedly sent a letter to the band last month, seeking compensation for the breach of contract.
This financial demand comes after the band’s lead singer staged an on-stage protest against the country’s anti-gay laws, which subsequently led to the festival’s shutdown.
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During their July 21 concert, lead singer Matty Healy delivered a speech that included profanities as he criticized the Malaysian government’s position on homosexuality. He then proceeded to kiss bassist Ross MacDonald in an act of protest during the opening show. Video footage of this performance circulated on social media and triggered a strong negative reaction in the largely Muslim country.
Following the kiss, the Malaysian government strongly condemned Healy’s actions, blacklisted the band from entering the country, and prematurely terminated the three-day festival. Even more, some members of the LGBTQ+ community voiced their criticism on social media, asserting that Healy’s behavior disrupted the efforts of activists advocating for change and put the community at risk.
In Malaysia, engaging in homosexuality is considered a criminal offense, carrying penalties of up to 20 years in prison and caning.
A post shared by The1975 (@the1975)
In the letter sent to The 1975 by Future Sound Asia’s legal team, it was pointed out that the band had previously provided a written commitment to adhere to all local guidelines and regulations before the performance. However, Healy’s conduct allegedly resulted in significant financial losses for FSA.
“Unfortunately, the assurance was ignored,” FSA’s lawyer David Dinesh Mathew said in statement “Their actions have had repercussions on local artists and small businesses, who relied on the festival for creative opportunities and their livelihoods.”
Since being hit with the lawsuit, The 1975’s legal team have been reportedly engaged in efforts to resolve the ongoing dispute between the band and a Malaysian festival organizer.
“We are able to confirm that our lawyers have received communication from the band’s solicitors and we are continuing to pursue the matter, as per our earlier statement,” FSA’s attorney confirmed to the press.
“The dispute resolution process is now in progress and on advice of legal counsel, we have no further comment at present,” he went on.
The lawsuit remains ongoing.
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