The 1975 Faces One Week Deadline to pay £2 Million as Compensation to Malaysian Festival

British indie pop sensation The 1975 has been directed to pay a substantial amount of RM12.3 million (around $2.6 million) as compensation following their recent appearance at the Good Vibes music festival in Malaysia, as reported by Rolling Stone. The band has until August 14 to fulfill this payment, failing which legal action could be pursued against them. The incident took place during The 1975’s performance on July 21 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

A Kiss Worth 12.3 Million Malaysian Ringgit

The show was cut short after lead vocalist Matthew Healy criticized Malaysia’s discriminatory laws and shared an intimate moment on stage with bassist Ross MacDonald. Healy went on to express his strong disapproval of these regulations and laws. This led to the cancellation of the remaining two days of the festival by Malaysia’s Ministry of Communications and Digital.

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The organizers of the festival, Future Sound Asia, announced their intention to seek financial reparations from The 1975. While the specific amount of $2.6 million was not initially disclosed, it has now been confirmed as the sought-after sum.

David Matthew, the attorney representing Future Sound Asia, clarified that the basis of their claim against the band is a breach of the agreed-upon contract. Matty Healy, denounced the country’s anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. Representatives for the 1975 offered no comment.

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According to the Malaysian govt, prior to the show, there was a written assurance from Mr. Healy’s representative that the band’s performance would adhere to all local regulations. A promise that was not upheld. Furthermore, it has come to light that several Malaysian musicians who were slated to perform at the Good Vibes festival are considering a class action lawsuit against The 1975.

Repercussion of Criticizing Homophobic Laws at Good Vibes Music Festival

During the 1975’s July 21 set at Good Vibes, Healy spoke out against the country’s policy that bars gay marriage and makes homosexuality punishable with a 20-year prison sentence. “If you want to invite me here to do a show, you can fuck 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 fucked off,” Healy told the crowd. The set came to an abrupt end shortly thereafter, with Healy saying, “All right, we just got banned from Kuala Lumpur. See you later.” 

Malaysia’s Ministry of Communications and Digital canceled the rest of the three-festival on July 22, and the 1975 canceled their remaining dates in Jakarta and Taipei. The band still have a North American tour slated to begin in mid-September in Atlanta.

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