Lawsuit Filed Against The 1975 Seeking $2.7 Million Alleging Discrimination Over Same-Sex Kiss

**Malaysian Music Festival Organizers Demand $2.7 Million in Compensation from British Band The 1975**

The organizer of a Malaysian music festival is seeking 12.3 million ringgit ($2.7 million) in losses from British band The 1975. The demand comes after the band’s lead singer, Matty Healy, engaged in an on-stage protest against Malaysia’s anti-gay laws during the Good Vibes Festival in Kuala Lumpur. The protest led to the festival being shut down by authorities. Future Sound Asia (FSA), the organizer of the festival, has sent a letter to the band demanding compensation for breach of contract.

**The On-Stage Protest and Backlash**

During their performance on July 21, Matty Healy used profanities in his speech to criticize the Malaysian government’s stance against homosexuality. He also kissed bassist Ross MacDonald during the opening show. The footage of the performance was widely shared on social media and sparked backlash in the predominantly Muslim country.

Malaysia considers homosexuality a crime that can be punished with up to 20 years in prison and caning. The government condemned Healy’s conduct and blacklisted the band from the country, leading to the festival’s premature termination. Some members of the LGBTQ+ community also criticized the band on social media, accusing Healy of disrupting the work of activists pushing for change and endangering the community.

**Breach of Contract and Financial Losses**

In a letter sent to the band, FSA lawyer David Dinesh Mathew explained that The 1975 had given a written pledge before the performance, promising to adhere to all local guidelines and regulations. However, Healy’s use of abusive language, equipment damage, and indecent stage behavior caused financial losses for FSA.

Mathew stated that the band’s actions had repercussions for local artists and small businesses that relied on the festival for creative opportunities and their livelihoods. As a result, FSA has demanded that The 1975 acknowledge their liability and pay 12.3 million ringgit in compensation for the damages incurred.

**Legal Action and Concert Cancellations**

FSA has given The 1975 a deadline to respond to their compensation demand. If the band fails to respond by Monday, FSA plans to take legal action in the courts of England. Meanwhile, The 1975 has already canceled its scheduled shows in Taiwan and Jakarta, Indonesia following the controversy in Malaysia.

This is not the first time Matty Healy has engaged in provocative on-stage displays in support of LGBTQ+ rights. In 2019, he kissed a male fan during a concert in the United Arab Emirates, a country that outlaws same-sex sexual activity.

In response to the incident, FSA is currently accommodating all refund requests from festival-goers. The financial impact on the company and the disappointment experienced by attendees has been significant.

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