The Matt Healy fiasco went viral almost immediately after The 1975’s set was cut short. If you don’t know what happened, he (Matt Healy) ranted about the Malaysian government’s stance on the LGBTQ+ community and proceeded to make out with his band member before getting stopped. Here’s the video.
The 1975 has been banned from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia after Matty Healy and bandmate Ross MacDonald kissed on-stage during their set at Good Vibes Festival.
Before the kiss, Healy gave a speech on his disappointment in the country’s discrimination against the LGBTQIA+ community. pic.twitter.com/XcHuPHiYr5
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) July 21, 2023
A video of it circulated online and in replying to it, Minister of Communications, Fahmi Fadzil said that what Matt Healy did was unacceptable and had asked to meet with the organisers of Good Vibes Festival on 22 July.
Ini satu tindakan yang sangat biadab. Saya telah panggil penganjur untuk beri penjelasan esok, dan akan berhubung dengan pihak berkuasa untuk dapatkan laporan penuh. https://t.co/f4yf4s2XQP
— Fahmi Fadzil ?? (@fahmi_fadzil) July 21, 2023
After the meeting, the minister confirmed in a thread that the following days of Good Vibes Festival will be cancelled.
“I called upon the organisers of GVF after a disrespectful statement was made by a UK band named The 1975 at Sepang last night.”
Fahmi Fadzil said that they (the government) will not compromise with anybody who challenges, sidelines and goes against the law.
“Hence, I’m ordering for the rest of the festival (supposed to go on till 23 July) to be cancelled with immediate effect.”
He says that he understands the implication to those who bought the tickets and is now urging for the organiser to work out refund mechanisms.
The minister ended his thread by saying, “The government is always committed to supporting the growth of the creative industry and freedom of speech.”
“However, don’t touch any cultural sensitiviy, especially those that are against local values.”
PUSPAL mentioned in a statement that a police report has been lodged against the artist and organiser of the Good Vibes Festival for failing to abide by PUSPAL’s regulations.
“When the application was made, the organisers promised that they will take full responsibility for that artist’s performance. Hence, PUSPAL will be blacklisting The 1975 from performing in our country.”
Stay tuned for more updates.
Also read: S’porean Organiser Suffers RM34k Losses After Ebit Liew Cancelled Appearance Without Notice
