The 1975 Sued by Malaysian Festival Over Same-Sex Kiss [Video]

The organizers behind Malaysia’s Good Vibes Festival have filed a lawsuit against The 1975 and all its members for breach of contract after frontman Matty Healy attempted to criticize the country’s severe anti-LGBTQ laws on stage at last year’s event. The festival was shut down after Healy kissed his bandmate Ross MacDonald during their set, prompting the organizers to seek the equivalent of $2.4 million in damages.

Many members of Malaysia’s queer community immediately pushed back at Healy’s attempt at solidarity, citing concerns that the incident would do more harm than good. Homosexuality is outlawed in the Southeast Asian country and carries a potential prison sentence of up to 20 years.

Following Healy and MacDonald’s onstage display, the festival’s license was revoked and the remaining two days of music were unable to take place. Shortly after that, Future Sound Asia (FSA), the organizers of Good Vibes, issued a Letter of Claim demanding financial compensation for the cancellation.

Per …