The 1975 faces $2.7 M demand by music festival organizer after same-sex kiss controversy
BY - MAHI
Malaysia's KULALA LUMPUR — In response to the British band The 1975's onstage protest of the nation's anti-gay laws prompting authorities to shut down the festival,
the organiser of a Malaysian music festival is seeking 12.3 million ringgit ($2.7 million) in losses from the band, the company's lawyer said on Friday.
According to FSA attorney David Dinesh Mathew, Future Sound Asia sent a letter to the band on Monday demanding payment for a contract violation.
The Malaysian government's stance against homosexuality was criticised by Matty Healy during the performance on July 21.
He then kissed bassist Ross MacDonald during the opening performance of the Good Vibes Festival in Kuala Lumpur.
Social media users posted videos of the performance, which led to backlash in the largely Muslim nation.
The crime of homosexuality carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a caning.
The three-day festival was shortened and the band was barred from the country after the government condemned Healy's behaviour.
On social media, some members of the LGBTQ+ community also criticised the band, claiming that Healy had interfered with activists' efforts to bring about change and put the community in danger.