Last week, British rock band ‘The 1975’ publicly denounced the Malaysian government’s laws on sexual orientation and human rights on stage, and the lead singer Matty Healy kissed a male bandmate on the spot. This shocking behavior resulted in the suspension of the ‘Good Vibes festival’ for three days and cancellation of performances in both Indonesia and Taiwan.
During their performance, Matty Healy expressed his views regarding the anti-LGBT+ laws in Malaysia. “I made a mistake. When we were booking shows, I wasn’t looking into it. I don’t see the fucking point, right, I do not see the point of inviting The 1975 to a country and then telling us who we can have sex with,” said Healy, and then he kissed his bassist, as a form of protest.
He continued: “I am sorry if that offends you and your religious and it’s part of your fucking government, but your government are a bunch of fucking retards and I don’t care anymore. If you push, I am going to push back. I am not in the fucking mood, I’m not in the fucking mood.” The speech caused a momentary hush in the entire venue, but the fans’ screams and cheers quickly erupted and echoed fervently. (Source: the live video)
However, the performance was halted thirty minutes later, and this controversial act deeply angered the Malaysian government. As a result, the band was permanently banned from performing in the country. Authorities issued multiple warnings and expressed their disappointment, describing it as “insulting and disrespecting the laws of the country.” (Source by: https://www.euronews.com/culture/2023/07/22/malaysia-cancels-music-festival-after-1975s-matty-healy-kisses-male-bandmate)
Homosexuality is illegal in Malaysia, where the Muslim population comprises over half of the nation. The incident came before crucial regional elections. Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has repeatedly said this month that his government will persevere with the principles of Islam, and his administration will not recognize LGBTQ rights. (Source by: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/7/22/pop-band-the-1975s-set-stopped-in-malaysia-after-onstage-kiss)
According to a CNN interview, several LGBTQ activists are concerned that Healy’s behavior, along with drinking and use of profanity, could deepen negative stereotypes of the LGBTQ+ community among conservative individuals.
“The majority of the country is ultra-conservative. They don’t like us already, and this … gives them more ammunition to discriminate against us and ostracize our community. There might be further crackdowns enhanced on the community.” Rose, a drag performer, agreed.
Sources:
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/7/22/pop-band-the-1975s-set-stopped-in-malaysia-after-onstage-kiss
https://www.npr.org/2023/07/22/1189619016/malaysia-lgbtq-rights-the-1975-matty-healy
https://edition.cnn.com/2023/07/25/asia/matty-healy-the-1975-malaysia-lgbtq-intl-hnk/index.html
https://eb18600f7bb2916037f5ee8e636ce199.cdn.bubble.io/f1690139436131x432237477793471200/Malaysia%20cuts%20short%20music%20fest%20after%20British%20band%20slams%20anti-gay%20laws%2C%20singer%20kisses%20male%20bandmate%20-%20ABC%20News.pdf
https://www.nme.com/en_asia/news/music/malaysian-government-review-international-artist-approval-procedure-the-1975-controversy-3472812
https://www.voanews.com/a/uk-band-the-1975-cancels-indonesia-taiwan-shows-after-malaysia-lgbtq-controversy-/7192688.html
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/jul/26/malaysian-musicians-prepare-lawsuit-against-the-1975-over-festival-cancellation
During their performance, Matty Healy expressed his views regarding the anti-LGBT+ laws in Malaysia. “I made a mistake. When we were booking shows, I wasn’t looking into it. I don’t see the fucking point, right, I do not see the point of inviting The 1975 to a country and then telling us who we can have sex with,” said Healy, and then he kissed his bassist, as a form of protest.
He continued: “I am sorry if that offends you and your religious and it’s part of your fucking government, but your government are a bunch of fucking retards and I don’t care anymore. If you push, I am going to push back. I am not in the fucking mood, I’m not in the fucking mood.” The speech caused a momentary hush in the entire venue, but the fans’ screams and cheers quickly erupted and echoed fervently. (Source: the live video)
However, the performance was halted thirty minutes later, and this controversial act deeply angered the Malaysian government. As a result, the band was permanently banned from performing in the country. Authorities issued multiple warnings and expressed their disappointment, describing it as “insulting and disrespecting the laws of the country.” (Source by: https://www.euronews.com/culture/2023/07/22/malaysia-cancels-music-festival-after-1975s-matty-healy-kisses-male-bandmate)
Homosexuality is illegal in Malaysia, where the Muslim population comprises over half of the nation. The incident came before crucial regional elections. Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has repeatedly said this month that his government will persevere with the principles of Islam, and his administration will not recognize LGBTQ rights. (Source by: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/7/22/pop-band-the-1975s-set-stopped-in-malaysia-after-onstage-kiss)
According to a CNN interview, several LGBTQ activists are concerned that Healy’s behavior, along with drinking and use of profanity, could deepen negative stereotypes of the LGBTQ+ community among conservative individuals.
“The majority of the country is ultra-conservative. They don’t like us already, and this … gives them more ammunition to discriminate against us and ostracize our community. There might be further crackdowns enhanced on the community.” Rose, a drag performer, agreed.
Sources:
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/7/22/pop-band-the-1975s-set-stopped-in-malaysia-after-onstage-kiss
https://www.npr.org/2023/07/22/1189619016/malaysia-lgbtq-rights-the-1975-matty-healy
https://edition.cnn.com/2023/07/25/asia/matty-healy-the-1975-malaysia-lgbtq-intl-hnk/index.html
https://eb18600f7bb2916037f5ee8e636ce199.cdn.bubble.io/f1690139436131x432237477793471200/Malaysia%20cuts%20short%20music%20fest%20after%20British%20band%20slams%20anti-gay%20laws%2C%20singer%20kisses%20male%20bandmate%20-%20ABC%20News.pdf
https://www.nme.com/en_asia/news/music/malaysian-government-review-international-artist-approval-procedure-the-1975-controversy-3472812
https://www.voanews.com/a/uk-band-the-1975-cancels-indonesia-taiwan-shows-after-malaysia-lgbtq-controversy-/7192688.html
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/jul/26/malaysian-musicians-prepare-lawsuit-against-the-1975-over-festival-cancellation
