The 1975 Singer Matty Healy’s ‘Controversial Kiss’ Won’t Cause Any Concert Bans In Malaysia
As you might know, The 1975 frontman Matty Healy has been known to grab fans to get them on stage while singing a particular song and kiss them during his performance. Well, one of these shows caused trouble earlier in Malaysia. A festival in Malaysia was canceled due to a kiss he shared with not a fan but his bandmate. Despite the controversy, it was recently clarified that the country would not face a concert ban for the kiss.
‘How Is This Fair?’
In a recent statement made by Deputy Communications and Digital Minister Teo Nie Ching, it was clarified that considering a concert ban for a one-time incident would be unfair to all the other artists. In addition, the Central Agency for Application for Filming and Performance by Foreign Artists (PUSPAL) has granted approval for 296 performances by foreign artists this year. Teo Nie Ching said of the incident:
“Just because of one incident, how can we cancel the others? Out of 296 artistes only one happened. How is this fair?”
Similar comments were made while mentioning Coldplay as well. She noted that the band held a concert in Indonesia on November 15, a country with the largest Muslim community globally, thus seeing no need to cancel concerts in their country. She emphasized that the artists have been reminded to strictly respect the local guidelines, laws, and culture during their shows.
Why The 1975 Received Criticism
During their show at Malaysia’s Good Vibes Festival, Healy wanted to protest against the country’s anti-LGBTQ+ government. As a result, the singer kissed his bandmate Ross MacDonald during their performance. Eventually, not only the band’s show but the entire festival was canceled due to ‘breaking the guidelines.’
The singer was almost sent to prison for his controversial kiss with his bandmate on stage. As reported, he was arrested and almost had to shave his head with MacDonald because they thought they were going to prison.
