The organizer of a Malaysian music festival is seeking 12.3 million ringgit ($2.7 million) in losses from British band The 1975, after its lead singer’s onstage protest of of the country’s anti-gay laws prompted authorities to shut down the festival, the company’s lawyer said Friday.
Future Sound Asia sent a letter to the band on Monday demanding compensation over a breach of contract, said FSA lawyer David Dinesh Mathew.
During the July 21 performance, Matty Healy used profanities in his speech criticizing the Malaysian government’s stance against homosexuality, before kissing bassist Ross MacDonald during the opening show at the Good Vibes Festival in Kuala Lumpur.
Footage of the performance was posted on social media and sparked backlash in the predominantly Muslim country. READ MORE: Malaysia Cancels Music Festival After 1975’s Matty Healy Kisses Same-Sex Bandmate Onstage In Malaysia, homosexuality is a crime punishable by up to 20 years in prison and caning.