Matty Healy Bold Stand Leads to Cancellation of Malaysia Festival

Matty Healy controversial criticism of the country’s anti-LGBT laws led to the cancellation of a festival in Malaysia.

The performance by his band The 1975 at the Good Vibes Festival was marred by Matty Healy’s inappropriate and offensive language as he addressed the audience. Additionally, his unprofessional behaviour of kissing bass player Ross MacDonald was highly questionable.

The band abruptly concluded their performance, alleging that they were forced to leave the stage by authorities.

The oppressive laws in Malaysia criminalise homosexuality, subjecting individuals to an unjust and excessive prison sentence of 20 years.

The band’s performance at the Good Vibes Festival in Kuala Lumpur on Friday was lacklustre.

The festival’s organisers made the disappointing decision to cancel the remaining schedule for the festival due to the controversy.

The decision was made following a directive for immediate cancellation from Malaysia’s Ministry of Communications and Digital, which demonstrates their rigid stance against any individuals or groups that dare to question, mock, or violate Malaysian laws.

Matty Healy’s statement about the band’s appearance in Malaysia being a “mistake” was captured in footage shared online.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – JULY 09: Matty Healy of The 1975 headlines the third day of the TRNSMT Festival 2023 at Glasgow Green on July 09, 2023 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Roberto Ricciuti/Redferns)

Matty Healy admitted to being negligent when it came to booking shows. The user’s text appears to be a rant about their dissatisfaction with inviting the 1975 to a country and imposing restrictions on their sexual preferences.

Regrettably, the audience is deprived of a collection of numerous uplifting songs due to the frontman’s infuriated state.

Your argument is weak as it fails to acknowledge the fact that you, as an individual, cannot be held responsible for the actions of your government. Your statement about being young and possibly gay and progressive seems to imply that these qualities automatically make someone cool.

Matty Healy and MacDonald, in what can only be described as a predictable and cliché move, proceeded to engage in a kiss while the band mindlessly played their overplayed anthem, “I Like America & America Likes Me.”

In a rather abrupt manner, Matty Healy and the band decided to abruptly end their set after a mere 30 minutes.

The singer, in what can only be described as an unprofessional manner, informed the audience that they had been banned from Kuala Lumpur, leaving the crowd disappointed and confused.

The so-called “source” conveniently close to the 1975, supposedly confirming the incident, provided their account to the ever-reliable BBC.

The source claimed that Matty Healy has a history of advocating for the LGBTQ+ community, as if that’s something to be commended. The band apparently felt the need to show support for their LGBTQ+ fans and community, as if it’s some kind of obligation.

OSLO, NORWAY – JUNE 15: Matty Healy performs with The 1975 at the Picnic In The Park Festival 2023 at Sofienberg Park on June 15, 2023 in Oslo, Norway. (Photo by Rune Hellestad – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)

The festival organisers’ initial statement to local media on Friday was disappointingly vague, merely stating that the band’s set was halted due to their apparent failure to adhere to local performance guidelines. ‘

However, it is worth noting that despite the circumstances, they made the decision to proceed with the festival as planned for the remaining days.

Wan Alman, the entertainment director at Future Sound Asia, who is responsible for organising the Good Vibes Festival, claimed that the band’s kiss was “utterly unexpected.”

He claimed that management had assured us that they would follow local performance guidelines, just like other international artists who perform in the country. However, it was quite astonishing to witness how the performance deviated from our expectations.

Mr. Alman’s emphasis on the need for international acts to comprehend the consequences of disregarding rules is commendable, as it highlights the significant price that is paid, often not solely by the performers themselves.

It appears that Healy finds it incredibly convenient to swoop in, do as he pleases, and then swiftly depart without having to confront or accept responsibility for any negative outcomes resulting from his actions.

Meanwhile, it is his devoted fans, the festival organisers, and the entire industry who bear the brunt of the repercussions, as evidenced by his shortened set.

The band’s performance was criticised by Malaysia’s Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil on Twitter, who deemed it a “highly disrespectful act.”

It is worth noting that he claimed to have reached out to festival organisers and requested a comprehensive report.

Denise Welch, known for her roles as an actress and her appearances on ITV’s Loose Women, made a questionable decision by retweeting a video of a kiss and adding the comment “he’s my son” along with a rainbow emoji.

NEUHAUSEN, GERMANY – JUNE 16: Matthew Healy of The 1975 performs at Southside Festival 2023 at Take-off Gewerbepark on June 16, 2023 in Neuhausen, Germany. (Photo by Thomas Niedermueller/Getty Images)

Matty Healy’s use of stage appearances to highlight anti-LGBT laws has been somewhat predictable and repetitive.

In 2019, Matty Healy made the questionable decision to invite a male fan on stage during a gig in Dubai, seemingly for the purpose of seeking attention.

This attention-seeking behaviour escalated when he proceeded to engage in a brief kiss with the fan, which some may argue was unnecessary and inappropriate for a public performance.

The incident received criticism in the country, where homosexuality is punishable by 10 years imprisonment, which is not surprising given the oppressive laws in place.

Healy’s post on Twitter following the show was rather unremarkable, simply stating “Thank you Dubai you were so amazing.”

Your behaviour was clearly unacceptable and it’s no surprise that we won’t be allowed back. However, it’s important for you to understand that despite your actions, I still love you. But let’s be honest, if given the opportunity, you would probably make the same mistakes all over again.