Malaysia cancels Good Vibes Festival over Matty Healy’s criticism of anti-LGBT law

KUALA LUMPUR: 1975 frontrunner Matty Healy’s attack on anti-LGBT law causes controversy and leads to the cancellation of the Malaysian Festival by authorities.

According to a BBC report, the British singer criticized the country’s anti-LGBTQ+ stance during the band’s performance on stage. Reportedly, after addressing the audience in a “profanity-laden speech” the singer shared a kiss with band member, Ross MacDonald. Shortly after, the band was forced to conclude their set citing they were called off by officials.

It is pertinent to mention that homosexuality is illegal in Malaysia and is punishable by twenty years in prison.

Man, Drunk, Drives Car Onto Railway Track, Arrested

Court Allows Survey Of Gyanvapi Mosque Barring Spot Sealed Earlier

On Friday, as the band headlined their set during the Good Vibes Festival in Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur, Healy criticized the country’s anti-LGBT laws. On Saturday, the festival organizers announced the remaining schedule had been canceled over the controversy caused by Healy’s remarks.

In a statement, the organizers said the decision came after an “immediate cancellation directive” was issued by the country’s Ministry of Communication and Digital citing an “unwavering stance against any parties that challenge, ridicule or contravene Malaysian laws”.

Footage from the event has gone viral, in which Heally can be seen addressing the crowd before turning to kiss his bandmate. Prior to being escorted off stage, Healy informed the crowd the band’s decision to appear in Malaysia had been a “mistake”.

Yasin Malik Comes To Supreme Court In Person: Supreme Court Shocked

PCB Unhappy Over Jay Shah’s “Shock” Asia Cup Schedule Announcement

Malaysia cancels Good Vibes Festival over Matty Healy's criticism of anti-LGBT law | Baaghi TV

High Court To Hear Petition To Disqualify Chief Minister Next Week

Vivek Oberoi Cheated Of Rs.1.5 Crore To Produce Film That Never Was

Matty Healy said: “I don’t see the [expletive] 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”.

The British singer continued: “Unfortunately you don’t get a set of loads of uplifting songs because I’m [expletive] furious”. He went on to say that it is not fair to the audience as they don’t represent the government. Healy said: “You’re young people, and I’m sure a lot of you are gay and progressive and cool”.

Thirty minutes into the set, the band walked off stage as Healy informed the audience “We just got banned from Kuala Lumpur, see you later”.

Gautam Adani Meets Lankan President, Green Hydrogen Plant Discussed

Gujarat police tie hands of Muslims, parade them in a village

A source close to the band informed BBC the singer has a history of “advocating for the LGBTQ+ community” and wanted to stand up for their fans in the community.

On the other hand, in an initial statement to local media, on Friday, festival organizers set the set was stopped over “non-compliance with local performance guidelines”. At the time they said the festival would continue however, on Saturday the festival was canceled.

Malaysia cancels Good Vibes Festival over Matty Healy's criticism of anti-LGBT law | Baaghi TV

Fahmi Fadzil, Malaysia’s Communication Minister slammed 1975’s performance on Twitter, calling it “very disrespectful“. Fadzil added that the had asked the festival organizers to submit a full report on the incident.

Prior to this incident, Healy caused waves in Dubai after he welcomed a male fan on stage during their performance and hugged him before sharing a kiss, in 2019. The incident had sparked widespread criticism. It is pertinent to note that like in Malaysia, Dubai also considers homosexuality a crime punishable by ten years of imprisonment. At the time, Healy had said: “I don’t think we’ll be allowed back due to my ‘behaviour’ but know that I love you”.

44% of the sitting MLAs across India have criminal cases against them

Angry people torch house of person who paraded tribal women naked

SSDO’s Dialogue on Child Trafficking & Bonded Labor Concludes with a Roadmap for Future Action

Malaysia cancels Good Vibes Festival over Matty Healy's criticism of anti-LGBT law | Baaghi TV