Matty Healy breaks silence after Malaysia ban for on-stage kiss
26.07.2023 - 12:59
/ ok.co.uk
The 1975 frontman, Matty Healy, has finally addressed the aftermath of his headline-making on-stage kiss with bandmate Ross MacDonald during their performance at the Good Vibes Festival in Kuala Lumpur, thanking activist Peter Tatchell for coming to his defense. The passionate kiss, which lasted approximately 20 seconds, took a bold stand against Malaysia's anti-LGBTQ+ laws, resulting in a ban for the English musician from the Southeast Asian nation.
During the Friday night performance, Matty used the platform to speak out against Malaysia's criminalization of LGBTQ+ individuals and same-sex sexual activity, as well as the discrimination faced by transgender individuals. Malaysia's current laws carry severe penalties, with homosexuality punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
Matty, visibly impassioned, admitted to a mistake in not thoroughly researching the country's laws before booking the show. He proclaimed his fury over the intolerance of homosexuality, asserting: "I do not see the point of inviting The 1975 to a country and then telling us who we can have sex with." As a consequence of their provocative statement, The 1975's set was abruptly cut short, forcing them to conclude their performance half an hour earlier than planned.
Addressing the crowd after the kiss, Matty declared: "Okay, we have to go, we just got banned from Kuala Lumpur," before making an exit from the stage. In the aftermath, the festival organisers announced the cancellation of the remaining weekend's lineup in response to the band's protest.
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