Class action lawsuit to be filed against British band The 1975 following cancellation

Over the weekend, Malaysia Good Vibes festival came to an abrupt halt after The 1975's lead singer, went on an anti-government rant. A lawsuit has been filed against the band according to The Straits Times. 

The festival was cancelled, following an uproar caused by Healy kissing his male bandmate on stage, in direct protest against Malaysia’s laws against homosexuality.

Malaysian lawyer, Mathew Thomas Philip took to Facebook to share his involvement in the case, stating that “all local artists whose income [had been] affected by the cancellation of the Good Vibes festival because of the utter recklessness of the band should sue The 1975.”

He went on to address the band directly, saying that the band should have stuck to its scope of work under its contract. He said:

It is not your stage to tell us how to run our country. We have a democratic process. You are very silly.

In a draft of the lawsuit that Philip posted to Facebook, all four of The 1975’s band members were named defendants. The lawsuit seeks general damages, costs and other reliefs deemed fair by the court.

The debacle that unfolded saw Healy going on a rant about Malaysia's conservative policies. 

He said that he made a mistake when booking shows, where he failed to account for what the country stood for. “I am furious, and that is not fair on you because you are not representative of your government. Because you are young people, and I am sure a lot of you are gay and progressive and cool,” he added as seen by A+M in a TikTok video taken by a fan at the festival.

Healy then proceeded to kiss his bandmate, Ross MacDonald, in direct defiance of Malaysia's rules. 

Don't miss: Minister Fahmi Fadzil debunks claims concerning price hike for consumer goods

Numerous videos of his speech have gone viral on social media platforms such as TikTok and Twitter since then. Shortly after his kiss with MacDonald, the band was banned from performing in Malaysia, as Healy announced to a jeering audience before walking off stage.

According to media intelligence company, CARMA, netizens have been vocal in their disapproval of the band's actions since the incident occurred. Sentiments of social conversations were 64.8% negative, and only 7.5% positive. In contrast, social media sentiments of the band were 23.2% positive and 6.6% negative prior to the incident.

A statement from the Good Vibes’ festival’s Instagram page said, “We deeply regret to announce that the remaining schedule of Good Vibes Festival 2023, planned for today and tomorrow has been cancelled following the controversial conduct and remarks made by UK artist Matty Healy from the band The 1975."

Malaysian minister of Communications and Digital, Fahmi Fadzil added on by stating in a tweet that Matty Healy's actions were 'very rude'. He stated in the same tweet that he had called the organisers of Good Vibes Festival following the band's actions to call the festival to a halt. 

Hours after his initial tweet, Minister Fahmi tweeted saying that the Unity Government will not allow for any compromise against any party that challenges, disparages and violates Malaysian laws and that while the government is committed to supporting the development of creative industries and the freedom of expression, it is most important to not touch the sensitivities of the community, especially those that are against the manners and values of the local culture.

Healy is no stranger to controversy. Earlier this year, in January, he did a Nazi salute right after calling Irish people ‘simple’ at a concert in Dublin. Soon after, a podcast featuring the singer resurfaced where he talked about masturbating to porn of ‘brutalised’ women.

Minister Fahmi has been strict about any salacious content against the 3Rs - race, religion and royalty and has said it must be dealt with severely. Recently, he welcomed the '3R Act' which aims to preserve Malaysia's peace and security. He told reporters that he believes there is a room for us to look into the existing laws and see how we can improve or enhance them. 

Related articles:
Minister Fahmi Fadzil debunks claims concerning price hike for consumer goods
Minister Fahmi Fadzil highlights need for international collaboration against cyber threats
MCMC to collaborate with KKD to develop Malaysia's digital economy