Malaysia cuts short music fest after British band slams anti-gay laws, singer kisses male bandmate

The Malaysian government prematurely terminated a music festival on Saturday following a controversial performance by British band The 1975. The band’s frontman, Matty Healy, openly criticized Malaysia’s laws against homosexuality and exhibited his disapproval by kissing a male member of the band onstage.

Fahmi Fadzil, the Communications and Digital Minister, took exception to Healy’s behavior, which unfolded during the opening of the Good Vibes Festival on Friday night. Fadzil described the actions as “very rude.”

Healy’s protest included a strong-worded critique of the government’s anti-gay stance, which he expressed just before kissing his band’s bassist, Ross MacDonald. Video of the event was shared across social media, causing significant backlash in the primarily Muslim country.

After discussions with the festival’s organizers on Saturday, Fadzil announced that the ongoing festival would be canceled.

Fadzil made it clear in a Facebook statement that there would be “no compromise with any party that challenges, belittles or violates Malaysian laws.” Homosexual acts in Malaysia are considered criminal offenses, with severe penalties that can include imprisonment for up to 20 years and corporal punishment.

The government agency responsible for greenlighting performances by international artists voiced disappointment at The 1975’s behavior, deeming it an affront to and disrespect of the country’s laws. The group has subsequently been banned from future performances in Malaysia.

It’s worth noting that this isn’t the first instance of Healy leveraging the stage as a platform to advocate for gay and lesbian rights. In 2019, he notably kissed a male fan during a concert in the United Arab Emirates, a nation where homosexuality is also criminalized, according to media coverage.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Malaysia Music Festival Cancellation

Question: Why was the music festival in Malaysia canceled?

Answer: The music festival in Malaysia was canceled due to the controversial behavior of British band The 1975 during their performance. The lead singer, Matty Healy, openly criticized Malaysia’s anti-gay laws and proceeded to kiss a male bandmate on stage, which sparked a significant backlash in the predominantly Muslim country. Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil deemed the conduct “very rude,” leading to the decision to terminate the festival.

Question: What did Matty Healy say during the performance that caused the controversy?

Answer: During the performance, Matty Healy used profanity in his speech to criticize the Malaysian government’s stance against homosexuality. He expressed his disapproval of the country’s anti-gay laws, which led to the government deeming his conduct disrespectful and offensive.

Question: What are Malaysia’s laws regarding homosexuality?

Answer: Homosexuality is considered a crime in Malaysia and is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and caning. The country has strict laws against same-sex relationships, and public displays of affection between same-sex individuals are not tolerated.

Question: How did the Malaysian government respond to The 1975’s performance?

Answer: The Malaysian government, represented by Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil, responded swiftly to The 1975’s performance. After discussions with the festival organizers, Fahmi announced the immediate cancellation of the music festival. He asserted that there would be no compromise with any party that challenges, belittles, or violates Malaysian laws, including those related to homosexuality.

Question: What actions were taken against The 1975 by the Malaysian authorities?

Answer: The Malaysian authorities, particularly the agency in charge of approving performances by foreign artists, expressed their disappointment with The 1975’s conduct. They labeled the band’s behavior an insult and a violation of the country’s laws. As a consequence, The 1975 has been blacklisted from performing in Malaysia, effectively barring them from future shows in the country.

Question: Why was the music festival in Malaysia canceled?

Question: What did Matty Healy say during the performance that caused the controversy?

Question: What are Malaysia’s laws regarding homosexuality?

Question: How did the Malaysian government respond to The 1975’s performance?

Question: What actions were taken against The 1975 by the Malaysian authorities?

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Malaysia Music Festival Cancellation

Question: Why was the music festival in Malaysia canceled?

Question: What did Matty Healy say during the performance that caused the controversy?

Question: What are Malaysia’s laws regarding homosexuality?

Question: How did the Malaysian government respond to The 1975’s performance?

Question: What actions were taken against The 1975 by the Malaysian authorities?

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