As a seasoned gamer and music enthusiast who has attended countless festivals worldwide, I can’t help but feel disheartened by this turn of events at the Good Vibes Festival last year.
One year following allegations that Malaysia’s Good Vibes Festival aims to recover $2.7 million USD in damages due to The 1975’s contentious performance, the festival has initiated a lawsuit against the band. The organizers have filed a court case against each of the band members for violating Malaysia’s anti-LGBTQ laws last July. During their act, Matty Healy was seen kissing another male member of the band, which sparked criticism from the Malaysian government. The Malaysian authorities enforce stringent regulations that prohibit profanity, alcohol consumption, and discussing politics or religion on stage, as well as stripping and revealing clothing.
In documents submitted to the U.K. High Court by Future Sound Asia, they stated that the band and their management team were cognizant of Malaysian laws regarding their performance but chose not to comply. This was evident when the band performed at a festival in 2016, as well as last year, where they were explicitly informed about the restrictions. As per regulations set by Malaysia’s Central Agency for Foreign Filming and Performance by Foreign Artistes (PUSPAL), actions such as kissing, kissing audience members, or similar behaviors among themselves are forbidden.
Initially, the band, The 1975, were contracted to perform at an event, receiving $350,000 USD for their act. However, it’s been alleged in a lawsuit that the organizers, PUSPAL, initially refused The 1975 due to frontman Healy’s past drug issues. They agreed to abide by all local rules and regulations, but the night before the performance, the band expressed doubts about performing at the festival. Despite this, they went ahead with their commitment. However, they chose to perform a different setlist and engage in actions that violated the guidelines, including Healy delivering a provocative speech and kissing bassist Ross MacDonalad in a way intended to offend and breach regulations.
In the previous year, Future Sound Asia sent a letter stating a breach of contract, but they’ve recently taken legal action. So far, The 1975 have not responded by filing a counter-lawsuit.
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-07-31 07:55