The consequences of Healy’s public display of affection have rippled far beyond the stage and condemnation from those in power in the nation.
The festival’s organizer, Future Sound Asia, is wielding its authority by demanding a staggering $2.6 million in damages from The 1975.The crux of the argument lies in the events that unfolded after Healy’s kiss.
The cancellation of the festival’s activities for the following two days is attributed to this incident. As a result, the organizers claim to have suffered significant financial losses, and the festival’s reputation has also been tarnished within the nation.
The legal landscape in Malaysia is unforgiving toward LGBTQ rights. In addition to the criminalization of same-sex relationships, the country enforces laws that prohibit any form of challenge to Malaysian regulations.