The 1975 has called off shows in Indonesia and Taiwan following a performance that led to the cancellation of Good Vibes Festival in Kuala Lumpur.
The British alternative-pop group had shows scheduled in Jakarta at We The Fest on 23 July and Taipei on 25 July.
The cancellations follow the lead singer, Matty Healy, openly criticising Malaysia’s anti-LGBTQ+ legislation onstage and engaging in a same-sex kiss with his bandmate on the festival’s first day, 21 July.
Healy made a speech, in which he stated: “I do not see the point of inviting the 1975 to a country and then telling us who we can have sex with.
“I am sorry if that offends you and you’re religious and it’s part of your fucking government, but your government are a bunch of fucking r****** and I don’t care anymore.”
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The 34-year-old then kissed the bassist, Ross MacDonald, onstage, in what he said was a protest of the country’s laws prohibiting homosexual activity.
The band’s performance was then cut short, with Healy declaring that the band “just got banned from Kuala Lumpur.”
The following day, the festival’s organisers issued a statement announcing the cancellation of the rest of the scheduled events, citing Healy’s “controversial conduct and remarks” as the reasoning.
“This decision adheres to the immediate cancellation directive issued […] by the Ministry of Communications and Digital,” part of it said.
“The Ministry has underlined its unwavering stance against any parties that challenge, ridicule or contravene Malaysian laws.”
LGBTQ+ legislation varies significantly in the region
Homosexuality is illegal in Malaysia, with a possible punishment of up to 20 years in prison, though social attitudes may not always align with these laws.
Indonesian legislation, however, does not outwardly prohibit LGBTQ+ rights, other than in the conservative Aceh province.
Taiwan, on the other hand, is broadly viewed as relatively LGBTQ+ friendly country in the region, being the first country in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage.
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