The 1975 Sued for Breach of Contract After Anti-LGBT Remarks at Music Festival
The organisers of the Good Vibes Festival in Kuala Lumpur are taking legal action against British band The 1975 for breach of contract and damages following lead singer Matty Healy’s controversial remarks against Malaysia’s anti-LGBT laws. During the band’s headline performance last July, Healy addressed the audience with a profanity-laden speech and kissed a fellow band member, leading to the event’s cancellation.
The festival company is seeking £1.9m ($2.4m) in compensation in the UK’s High Court, citing a violation of performance rules that prohibit talking about politics and religion, swearing, smoking, or drinking alcohol on stage. Homosexual acts are illegal in Malaysia and punishable by 20 years in prison.
The lawsuit alleges that The 1975 intentionally breached guidelines, with Healy’s “provocative speech” and “long pretend passionate embrace” with bassist Ross MacDonald, as well as smuggling a bottle of wine on stage. The band had performed at the same festival in 2016 and were reminded of the rules ahead of their performance last year.
In response, The 1975 stated that they have nothing to add at this time. Healy defended his actions, stating that the band was invited to headline the festival by the government, which was aware of their political views. Healy argued that eliminating any part of their routine show to appease the authorities’ views on LGBTQ people would be a passive endorsement of discriminatory politics.
The event in Kuala Lumpur was cancelled the day after The 1975’s performance, with Malaysia’s communications ministry taking a firm stance against those challenging Malaysian laws. Members of the country’s LGBT community criticized Healy’s actions, calling it “performative activism” that would make their lives harder.
The band is also facing a separate class action lawsuit from musicians and vendors who claim they suffered financial losses due to the festival’s cancellation. The legal battle between The 1975 and the festival organisers highlights the clash between artistic expression and cultural sensitivities in the music industry.
