Matty Healy mocks Malaysian officials after ban for kissing male bandmate
The 1975’s Matty Healy has fired back at Malaysian officials since the nation banned the group from returning, after Healy, 34, kissed his male bandmate in front of concertgoers over the weekend.
According to a now-deleted Instagram Story published on Saturday, Healy poked fun at the country’s ruling by posting a bunch of photos of both him and bassist Ross MacDonald.
“Ok well why don’t you try and not make out for Ross for 20 years,” read the caption. “Not as easy as it looks.”
Healy followed the joke with an image of a hat placed atop a map showing the country of Malaysia.
Meanwhile, a source told PageSix on Sunday that “Matty has a long-time record of advocating for the LGBTQ+ community.”
“The band wanted to stand up for their LGBTQ+ fans and community.”
The dig comes after the British pop-rock band’s outspoken lead singer took the stage Friday at the Good Vibes Festival Friday at the Asian nation’s capital, Kuala Lumpur.
Healy, who is known for being very proactive and bordering on controversial, took the opportunity to slam the country’s anti-LGBTQ+ laws.
“I made a mistake. When we were booking shows, I wasn’t looking into it,” Healy admitted to his fans.“I don’t see the f–king point … of inviting The 1975 to a country and then telling us who we can have sex with.”
According to a now-deleted Instagram story, Healy poked fun at the country’s ruling by posting a bunch of photos of both him and bassist Ross MacDonald. TikTok
The Good Vibes Festival released a statement shortly after announcing that Malaysia’s Ministry of Communications and Digital had canceled the three-day event due to the “controversial conduct and remarks” made by Healy. Good Vibes Fest / Instagram
Healy followed the joke with an image of a hat placed atop a map showing the country of Malaysia. @trumanblack / Instagram
“I’m sorry if that offends you, and you’re religious,” continued the singer. “But your government are a bunch of f–king r–s. I don’t care anymore. If you push, I’m gonna push back. I’m not in the f–king mood.”
According to the “Love It If We Made It” singer, he contemplated canceling the show altogether but did not want to punish his fans for their government.
“I’m sure a lot of you are gay and progressive and cool,” said the “About You” singer while brandishing a bottle of wine. “I pulled this show yesterday, and we had a conversation. We said, ‘You know what? We can’t let the kids down because they’re not the government.’”
Healy, who is known for being very proactive and bordering on controversial, took the opportunity to slam the country’s anti-LGBTQ+ laws. @trumanblack / Instagram
“If you want to invite me here to do a show, you can f–ck off,” continued the singer. ” I’ll take your money, you can ban me, but I’ve done this before, and it doesn’t feel good.”
It was then Healy walked over to MacDonald, 34, and kisses him.
The Post reached out to Healy for comment.
Following the stunt, the frontman walked off the stage calling out “alright, we gotta go. We just got banned from Kuala Lumpur, I’ll see you later.” TikTok
According to Malaysian law, same-sex activity is illegal and carries a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment with whipping.
Following the stunt, the frontman walked off the stage calling out, “alright, we gotta go. We just got banned from Kuala Lumpur, I’ll see you later.”
The Good Vibes Festival released a statement shortly after announcing that Malaysia’s Ministry of Communications and Digital had canceled the three-day event due to the “controversial conduct and remarks” made by Healy.
“We sincerely apologize to all our ticket holders, vendors, sponsors, and partners,” they added. “We are aware of the time, energy and efforts you have put into making this festival a success, and we value your steadfast support.”
Since being banned, the British pop group has canceled shows in Taiwan and Indonesia citing it was “impossible to proceed” with the scheduled dates.
“The 1975 regret to announce that their forthcoming shows in Jakarta and Taipei will no longer be going ahead as planned,” read the band’s official statement. “The band never take the decision to cancel a show lightly and had been eagerly looking forward to playing for fans in Jakarta and Taipei but unfortunately, due to current circumstances, it is impossible to proceed with the scheduled shows.”
Source: New York Post
