Matty Healy Addresses Controversial Kiss and Defence Onstage
Matty Healy, frontman of the band “The 1975,” delivered a 10-minute speech at a concert in Dallas, Texas, addressing the controversy surrounding his onstage kiss with a bandmate during a concert in Malaysia. Healy told his fans that he had been advised not to talk about the incident but went on to read a prepared speech from his phone.
The controversy emerged after Healy attacked Malaysia’s anti-LGBT laws during the Good Vibes Festival in the country. Following his actions, the Malaysian government cancelled the rest of the event, and festival organisers demanded compensation from The 1975. Some LGBT Malaysians criticised Healy, accusing him of displaying a “white saviour complex.”
Healy defended the performance, stating that The 1975 did not enter Malaysia uninvited; they had been invited by event organisers who were aware of the band’s political views and the nature of their shows. Healy explained that the kiss was not a political stunt but rather an integral part of The 1975’s stage performance, having been performed many times before.
Healy referred to the online backlash against the performance as “liberal outrage” and expressed confusion over the criticism of the band for remaining consistent with its “pro-LGBT stage show.” He also emphasised that it should be expected that Western performers will bring their values when invited to other countries.
The singer concluded by referencing the strict laws in some parts of the US, highlighting that critics would find it unacceptable if the band acquiesced to certain US states’ perspectives on issues like abortion or trans laws.
This isn’t the first time that Healy has addressed online criticism during a concert. He recently apologised for actions that had hurt some people during a performance in Los Angeles and acknowledged past insensitive comments made on a podcast where he mimicked various accents and made inappropriate requests.
Healy’s speech aimed to clarify the band’s intentions and highlight the complexities of navigating controversial issues on a global stage, particularly when their performances incorporate political and social themes.
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