The 1975 have been ordered to pay RM12.3 million (approximately $2.6 million) in damages over their recent set at Malaysian music festival Good Vibes, Rolling Stone reports. The band has until August 14 to pay the fee or it faces potential legal action.
The 1975’s July 21 performance in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, was cut short after Matthew Healy criticized homophobic Malaysian laws and kissed bassist Ross MacDonald. After kissing MacDonald, Healy told the crowd it was “fucking ridiculous to tell people what they can do with that and that,” gesturing to his groin. “If you want to invite me here to do a show, you can fuck off. I’ll take your money, you can ban me, but I’ve done this before and it doesn’t feel good, and I’m fucked off.” Malaysia’s Ministry of Communications and Digital subsequently canceled the remaining two days of the festival.
Earlier this week, the festival’s organizer, Future Sound Asia, outlined its plans to seek financial damages from the 1975, although the $2.6 million figure was not disclosed at that time. In a statement to Rolling Stone, Future Sound Asia attorney David Matthew confirmed that “the claim against the 1975 is essentially for breach of contract.” He continued, “Mr. Healy’s representative categorically provided a pre-show written assurance that Mr. Healy and the 1975’s live performance ‘shall adhere to all local guidelines and regulations’ during their set in Malaysia. Unfortunately, the assurance was ignored.”
Rolling Stone has also reported that a number of Malaysian musicians who were scheduled to play Good Vibes are preparing class action lawsuit against the 1975 over financial losses resulting from the canceled festival dates.
Pitchfork has reached out to representatives for the 1975 and Future Sound Asia for comment and additional information.
