British singer Matty Healy and his band The 1975 made a bold statement during their performance at the Good Vibes Festival in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, leading to the cancellation of the event. In a profanity-laden speech, Healy passionately criticised Malaysia's anti-LGBT laws, which punish homosexuality with up to 20 years in prison.

Healy expressed his frustration at being unaware of the country's discriminatory laws when booking the show. He firmly believed that artists should not be restricted from expressing themselves and condemned the government's attempt to dictate their personal lives.

During the set, Healy shared a kiss with bass player Ross MacDonald as a gesture of solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community and their fans. However, this act of defiance led to officials ordering the band off stage.

The Good Vibes Festival organisers swiftly responded to a cancellation directive from Malaysia's Ministry of Communications and Digital, stating their commitment to upholding Malaysian laws. As a result, the festival's remaining schedule was called off.

Healy's actions at the festival were not the first time he had advocated for LGBTQ+ rights during a performance. In 2019, he faced backlash in Dubai after sharing a quick kiss with a male fan on stage, where homosexuality is punishable by ten years' imprisonment.

Although the festival's cancellation disappointed fans, Healy's bold stance resonated with the LGBTQ+ community and supporters worldwide. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of freedom of expression and the ongoing fight for equal rights across the globe.