Matty Healy mocks Malaysia controversy with dismissive response to festival cancellation

1975 frontman Matty Healy has mocked the cancellation of the Malaysia festival which followed his onstage kiss with a band member.

The British band’s performance at the Good Vibes festival in Kuala Lumpur on Friday (July 21) was interrupted when Healy kissed bassist Ross MacDonald while criticizing the country’s anti-LGBT+ laws, under which homosexual acts are illegal.

The Malaysian government called the group “extremely rude”, adding that they would no longer be allowed to perform in the country. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil tweeted on Saturday July 22 that the government had “called the organizers” of the festival, which was then canceled altogether.

Healy later mocked the controversy on his Instagram Stories while sharing Good Vibes Festival’s cancellation statement.

The organizers wrote: “We deeply regret to announce that the remainder of the program planned for today and tomorrow has been canceled following the controversial conduct and remarks made by British artist Matty Healy of the band The 1975.

“The decision adheres to the immediate cancellation directive issued at 1:20 p.m., July 22, 2023, by the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs. The ministry stressed its unwavering stance against any party that challenges, ridicules or violates Malaysian laws.

In response, Healy shared the statement, writing, “Ok why don’t you try not kissing for Ross for 20 years.” Not as simple as it seems.

Healy followed this message with an image of a hat placed atop a map showing the country of Malaysia, as well as images of himself with bassist MacDonald taken over the years. He also posted a screenshot of his name trending on Twitter.

On Sunday (July 23), The 1975 announced that they had now withdrawn from scheduled concerts in Taiwan and Indonesia, stating that it was “impossible to continue” with tour dates.

The band’s official statement read: “The 1975 regrets to announce that their upcoming concerts in Jakarta and Taipei will no longer go ahead as planned.

“The band never takes the decision to cancel a concert lightly and was looking forward to performing for fans in Jakarta and Taipei but unfortunately, due to the current circumstances, it is impossible to proceed with the scheduled concerts.”

Friday’s events also sparked an outcry among members of Malaysia’s LGBT+ community, who argued that Healy’s actions could end up exposing them to further stigmatization in the country.

Following the news, Healy’s mother, TV presenter Denise Welch, expressed support for her son.