The 1975 Members Cleared of Personal Liability in Malaysian Festival Lawsuit

A London judge ruled that individual band members cannot be held responsible for losses following their controversial 2023 performance, but a case against their corporate entity will proceed.

A London judge ruled on February 24, 2025, that members of The 1975 are not personally liable for the financial losses claimed by Malaysia’s Good Vibes Festival organizers.
The lawsuit stems from a 2023 performance where frontman Matty Healy criticized Malaysia's anti-LGBTQ+ laws and kissed bassist Ross MacDonald onstage, leading to the festival's cancellation.
The court found no grounds to hold individual band members accountable, as the contract was signed with their corporate entity, The 1975 Productions LLP.
The judge dismissed the claims against the band members as 'bad as a matter of law,' allowing the case against the LLP to continue while ordering Future Sound Asia to pay £100,000 in legal costs.
The incident has sparked wider debates about LGBTQ+ rights in Malaysia and the responsibilities of artists performing in countries with restrictive laws.