The 1975 banned from Malaysia after Matty Healy criticises government and anti-LGBTQ laws

24 July 2023, 13:51 | Written by Tyler Damara Kelly

(News)

(The 1975)

During their headline set at Good Vibes Festival on 21 June, Healy criticised homophobic laws in Malaysia, leading to organisers pulling their set and authorities cancelling the festival’s remaining two days.

Homosexuality is outlawed in Malaysia, with potential prison sentences of up to 20 years as well as caning. Healy spoke out about this, claiming that he wasn't aware of Malaysia's disapproval of the LGBTQI+ community.

“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," he said. "I am sorry if that offends you and you’re religious and it’s part of your fucking government, but your government are a bunch of fucking retards and I don’t care anymore," he continued. "If you push, I am going to push back. I am not in the fucking mood.”

After the speech Healy kissed bassist Ross McDonald, and the performance was cut shortly afterwards, following the seventh song, "I Couldn't Be More in Love" with Healy saying: “All right, we just got banned from Kuala Lumpur. See you later.”

this was actually so powerful pic.twitter.com/V6OnZW6kSj
— aphex twink (@aphexmaxim) July 21, 2023

Malaysia’s Ministry of Communications and Digital officially canceled the festival the next day, "following the controversial conduct and remarks made by UK artist Matty Healy from the band The 1975." The statement goes on to address its "unwavering stance against any parties that challenge, ridicule, or contravene Malaysian laws."

The 1975 subsequently canceled their two subsequent Asian dates which included a headline performance at We the Fest in Jakarta, Indonesia, alongside a show in Taipei, Taiwan. In a statement shared by We the Fest, the 1975 said, “The band never takes the decision to cancel a show lightly and had been eagerly looking forward to playing for fans in Jakarta and Taipei but unfortunately, due to current circumstances, it is impossible to proceed with the scheduled shows.”

Indonesia and Taiwan are do not share the same rules as Malaysia. Same-sex relationships are legal in both countries and while Indonesia doesn’t acknowledge same-sex marriages, Taiwan was the first Asian nation to make that legal.