THE organiser of Good Vibes Asia 2023, Future Sound Asia, has filed a lawsuit against British pop rock band The 1975 and all its members in the UK.
The lawsuit filed in the UK High Court, seeks US$2.4 mil (RM11 mil) in damages following a controversial performance by the band that led to the cancellation of the festival.
According to entertainment magazine Variety, the organisers claimed that The 1975 and their management were fully aware of the various prohibitions that needed to be adhered to for their performance in Malaysia.
Despite having previously performed in Malaysia in 2016 and being repeatedly reminded of the guidelines, the band allegedly breached several contractual terms during their performance last year.
The prohibitions included no swearing, smoking, or drinking on stage, and avoiding discussions on politics or religion.
Moreover, there was a strict ban on undressing and on any form of kissing, whether with an audience member or among themselves. The 1975 had reportedly agreed to comply with these rules in exchange for a payment of US$350,000 (RM1.6 mil).
The lawsuit details that the Central Agency for Application for Filming and Performance by Foreign Artistes (Puspal) had initially rejected the band’s application to perform last July due to a 2018 report concerning lead singer Matt Healy’s past drug addiction.
However, after the band appealed and Healy assured adherence to all regulations, the application was approved.
The night before their performance, The 1975 allegedly considered withdrawing from the festival but ultimately decided to proceed. The lawsuit accuses the band of performing a “completely different setlist” and engaging in prohibited actions, including Healy kissing bassist Ross MacDonald and delivering a speech criticising Malaysia’s LGBTQ+ laws.
Further accusations in the lawsuit claim that the band intended to smuggle a bottle of wine on stage for Healy’s easy access.
Healy reportedly behaved erratically appearing intoxicated, vomiting, and spitting towards the audience. He also allegedly delivered a profanity-laden speech and damaged a video drone hired by the festival organisers.
Following the band’s controversial performance, Puspal officers halted the show, prompting aggressive behaviour from Healy, who had to be restrained by his management team.
Furthermore, the band reportedly fled to their hotel immediately afterward, intending to leave the country the next day, fully aware that their actions had violated Malaysian laws.
As a result of the performance, the Malaysian government ordered the immediate cancellation of the remaining two days of the Good Vibes Festival.
Variety reported that The 1975 has yet to file a defence to the lawsuit and representatives for the band have declined to comment. – July 31, 2024
