Matty Healy, the lead vocalist of the British rock band ‘The 1975‘, has been a controversial figure since his rise to fame. While he has gained a massive following and critical acclaim for his music, he has also been criticized for his problematic behavior and statements.
As another one of his recent problematic stances have come to light, the singer is facing serious charges along with his band in Malaysia, after he allegedly violated one of the major laws of the country. Here’s why Malaysia is suing ‘The 1975‘, and what the frontman has to say about the allegations.
Related: The 1975’s Matty Healy Urges Oasis To “Grow Up” And Reunite
Matty Healy Gets Into Trouble For Kissing His Band Mate
Following vocalist Matty Healy’s protest against Malaysia’s anti-LGBTQ laws during Good Vibes Festival last July, the organizers of the event have launched a lawsuit against ‘The 1975′ and each of its members, individually. The festival had to be cancelled after Matty Healy kissed his band member Ross MacDonald on stage — a clear violation of the laws.
According to Variety, Future Sound Asia, the event organizers, have asserted in case documents filed in the U.K. High case that the band and their management team were aware of the multiple restrictions the band had to follow in order to play on stage.
The restrictions included swearing, drinking and smoking during performances, stripping, and discussing politics or religion. Further instructions prohibiting “kissing, kissing a member of the audience or carrying out such actions among themselves” were also released by the authorities — but they were provocatively violated by Healy.
The organizers are therefore suing the band for £1.9 million ($2.4 million).
In Case You Missed It: Why Does Matty Healy Kiss His Fans? Is He Abusing His Power As An Influencer?
How Did Matty Healy React To The Allegations?
While performing in Dallas last October, Matty Healy completely defended his actions and said, “The 1975 did not waltz [into] Malaysia unannounced, they were invited to headline a festival by a government who had full knowledge of the band with its well-publicised political views and its routine stage show.”
“Me kissing Ross was not a stunt simply meant to provoke the government. It was an ongoing part of the 1975 stage show, which had been performed many times prior,” he added.
“To eliminate any routine part of the show in an effort to appease the Malaysian authorities’ bigoted views of LGBTQ people would be a passive endorsement of those politics,” he further clarified. The band has not yet responded to the legal case, but knowing Healy, he would probably make a statement soon.
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