Matty Healy, lead singer of The 1975, recently revealed that he and possibly another band member were momentarily detained by Malaysian authorities due to his provocative on-stage act in Kuala Lumpur.
The incident occurred during the Good Vibes Festival, where Healy’s kiss with bandmate Ross MacDonald sparked significant controversy, given Malaysia’s strict laws against homosexuality. In a country where LGBTQ+ individuals face severe discrimination and can be imprisoned for engaging in gay activities, Healy’s act was seen as endangering the already vulnerable community.
Healy addressed the situation in a heartfelt speech during the band’s concert in Fort Worth, Texas. He emphasized that The 1975’s appearance in Malaysia wasn’t a sudden decision, and the government was well aware of the band’s political views and usual performances.
He clarified that the kiss with MacDonald was a routine part of their act and wasn’t designed to challenge the Malaysian government. What he found perplexing was the backlash from liberal quarters for performing a show that has always been consistent with their pro-LGBTQ+ message.
Healy’s remarks come on the heels of an earlier apology to fans at a California concert, where he expressed regret for the unintended consequences of his actions.
