The 1975 has cancelled further shows on its schedule after being banned from performing in Malaysia, following Matty Healy’s statement against the anti-LGBT+ laws in the country.
During a recent performance in Kuala Lumpur at Good Vibes Festival, the frontman of the band spoke out against the country’s stance on LGBT+ rights, telling the crowds that he was ‘f***ing furious’.
The 34-year-old proceeded to then turn to his bandmate Ross MacDonald, 34, with the pair kissing passionately in front of their screaming fans before their set was cut 30 minutes early.
While the festival had been due to continue for two more days, the organisers of the event later released a statement explaining that the government had ordered for it to be shut down.
There are no LGBT+ rights in Malaysia, with homosexuality punishable in the country by fines, caning and prison sentences of up to 20 years.
The statement about the festival’s cancellation outlined that it had been cut short ‘following the controversial conduct and remarks made by UK artist Matty Healy from the band The 1975’.
It continued: ‘This decision adheres to the immediate cancellation directive issued at 1.20pm, 22 July 2023, by the Ministry of Communications and Digital.
‘The Ministry has underlined its unwavering stance against any parties that challenge, ridicule, or contravene Malaysian laws.’
The 1975 has now also cancelled shows in Indonesia and Taiwan, saying in a statement: ‘Unfortunately, due to current circumstances, it is impossible to proceed with the scheduled shows.’ No further information was given.
Following their previously scheduled shows in Jakarta, Indonesia and Taipei, Taiwan at the end of July, The 1975 are due to head to the US and the UK for more performances.
A source close to the band previously told Metro.co.uk: ‘Matty has a long-time record of advocating for the LGBTQ+ community and the band wanted to stand up for their LGBTQ+ fans and the community.’
After The 1975’s set was cut short at the Malaysian festival, Matty clapped back at the response to his kiss with his bandmate, writing on his Instagram Story: ‘Ok well why don’t you try and not make out [with] Ross for 20 years. Not as easy as it looks.’
In videos that circulated on social media of Matty and The 1975 on stage in Malaysia, the frontman admitted to his fans that he had thought about dropping out of the show, but thought that it wouldn’t be fair on them ‘because you are young people, and I’m sure a lot of you are gay and progressive and cool.’
He said that it was ‘f***ing ridiculous to tell people what they can’t do… If you want to invite me here to do a show, you can f*** off. I’ll take your money, you can ban me, but I’ve done this before and it doesn’t feel good, and I’m f***ed off.’
The singer’s mum, Loose Women star Denise Welch, voiced her support for her son by reposting a video on Twitter of him and Ross kissing, tweeting: ‘He’s my son,’ with a rainbow emoji.
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MORE : Matty Healy’s hilarious response to Malaysian festival shutdown over his pro-LGBTQ+ remarks and 1975 bandmate kiss
MORE : Malaysian music festival cancelled after Matty Healy kisses bandmate and calls for LGBT+ rights during The 1975 set
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