Malaysia Cancels Music Festival Over Same-Sex Kiss by The 1975

Malaysia's government halted the Good Vibes Festival in Kuala Lumpur and banned British band The 1975 from performing in the country after the band's frontman, Matt Healy, kissed a male bandmate onstage and criticized Malaysia's anti-LGBT laws. Homosexuality is illegal in Malaysia, and rights groups have warned of growing intolerance. The incident sparked uproar on social media, with some accusing Healy of "performative activism" that could further stigmatize and discriminate against the local LGBT community. The festival's organizers apologized for the cancellation and expressed concern about the impact on the music industry. Malaysia's government has introduced stricter guidelines for foreign acts, citing the need to protect sensitivities.