Controversial Lip Lock: Matty Healy Drops Bombshell After Scandalous On-Stage Kiss, Malaysia Reacts
The 1975 faces a ban in Malaysia as Matty Healy's onstage kiss with a bandmate causes their performance at a festival to be abruptly halted
Matty Healy reportedly caused The 1975 to be removed from a music festival for protesting the Malaysian government during their performance. In a video shared by a fan on social media, Healy, 34, informed the audience at the Good Vibes Festival on Friday, July 21, that they were banned from Kuala Lumpur and bid them farewell.
The 1975 swiftly gathered their instruments and exited the stage, seemingly forced to do so by the venue. The unexpected conclusion of their performance occurred shortly after Healy passionately expressed his outrage about the discriminatory actions of the Malaysian government towards the LGBTQ+ community.
"I am absolutely livid," Healy addressed the audience, according to Far Out magazine. "This unfairness does not reflect upon you as individuals, as you are not responsible for your government's actions. It is utterly absurd to dictate people's personal freedoms."
The band's lead singer disclosed that the group nearly withdrew from the festival due to their objection to the political situation in Malaysia. "I canceled the performance yesterday," he revealed during a discussion, "but we eventually agreed that we couldn't disappoint the fans just because we disagree with the government."
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He relentlessly criticized the nation's authorities, exclaiming, "If you invited me here, then go to hell. I'll accept your money, you can prohibit me, but I've experienced this before, and it doesn't feel satisfying."
In a grand finale, Healy sealed his statement with a fervent embrace of his bandmate Ross MacDonald, igniting a boisterous cheer from the audience. The ensemble performed a final song, "I Couldn't Be More In Love," before asserting their unwelcome status at the gathering.
Healy has faced criticism before for his remarks, not just at the Good Vibes Festival. In February, he drew backlash for mocking Ice Spice during an interview on “The Adam Friedland Show.”
Later that month, while on stage, Healy expressed remorse for his actions and attempted to apologize. He stated, "I feel a bit remorseful and I apologize if I offended you. Ice Spice, I am sorry. My intention was not to cause any misunderstandings with my jokes. I want Ice Spice to know that I hold no ill intentions. Ice Spice, I love you and I deeply apologize." (Ice Spice, 23, has not made any public statements regarding Healy's comments.)
Healy, known for his short-lived relationship with Taylor Swift in May, grabbed attention again in July when he openly discussed his past controversies during a concert in London. According to Metro.co.uk, he admitted, "I have always experimented with different things, and while some turned out well, others didn't. But you know what? There's a multitude of things I've said, jokes I've made. Frankly speaking, there might be a few songs I'd reconsider if given the opportunity."
He admitted, "What I'm trying to say is that my intention is solely to bring laughter and joy to all of you. That's the essence of my favorite art, and that's exactly what I aim to accomplish. I can't help feeling a surge of excitement. And, you know what, I'm truly proud of myself."
