Organizers of the Malaysia-based Good Vibes Festival are suing British rock band The 1975 and its members for sharing a same-sex kiss during a performance, which violated the country’s anti-LGBTQ laws. The band’s headlining set at the festival was cut short after the kiss, resulting in financial loss for the festival’s organizer, Future Sound Asia. The lawsuit alleges that the band was aware of the restrictions they needed to follow and had planned to break the rules. This incident was not the first time lead singer Matty Healy protested against anti-LGBTQ laws during a performance. In 2019, he kissed a male fan onstage in Dubai where homosexuality is illegal. Malaysia’s minister of communications criticized The 1975’s actions as “very rude” and subsequently announced the cancellation of the remainder of the festival. The band’s demonstration sparked a conversation about LGBTQ rights and freedom of expression in Malaysia and has reignited the debate on such issues within the country. The lawsuit against The 1975 is ongoing, with the festival seeking compensation for the breach of contract.
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