The organizer of the Malaysian music festival is seeking 12.3 million ringgit ($2.7 million) from the British group, The 1975, as confirmed by the firm’s attorney last week.
This comes after the lead vocalist’s public protest against the nation’s “anti-gay laws” resulted in the official cancellation of the event.
Future Sound Asia dispatched a letter to the band on Monday, seeking compensation for a contract violation, as per FSA legal representative David Dinesh Mathew.
On July 21, during his act, Matty Healy voiced his disagreement with the Malaysian government’s stance on “homosexuality” by using strong language, and then kissed bassist Ross MacDonald at the opening event of the Good Vibes Festival in Kuala Lumpur.
A recording of the act circulated online, leading to strong reactions in the predominantly Muslim nation.
In Malaysia, engaging in homosexual acts can lead to a prison sentence of up to 20 years and potential caning.
The state denounced Healy’s actions, barred the band from its territories, and prematurely concluded the three-day festival.
Some members of the LGBTQ+ community voiced their criticism of the band on social media, arguing that Healy’s actions not only hindered the efforts of activists seeking reform but also posed risks to the community.
In the letter, Mathew pointed out that the group had previously committed in writing that they would respect all local procedures and norms.
However, Healy’s “use of abusive language, equipment damage, and indecent stage behaviour” brought about monetary drawbacks for FSA.
“Unfortunately, the assurance was ignored,” stated Mathew in a written communication to The Associated Press. “Their actions have had repercussions on local artists and small businesses, who relied on the festival for creative opportunities and their livelihoods.”
Therefore, he articulated that FSA urges The 1975 to accept their accountability and settle 12.3 million ringgit as recompense for the harm caused.
On their website, FSA mentioned they are currently processing all requests for refunds.
If the band does not address the issue by the following Monday, one week subsequent to the dispatch of the formal notice, the attorney conveyed that FSA will proceed with legal measures in English courts.
After the Kuala Lumpur fiasco, the band called off their performances in Taiwan and Jakarta, Indonesia.
Healy’s advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights through such on-stage acts isn’t new: Back in 2019, he embraced a male admirer at a show in the United Arab Emirates, a nation where “same-sex sexual activity” is prohibited.
