An English court has cleared the members of The 1975 of any individual liability in their ongoing legal dispute with Malaysia's Good Vibes Festival over an onstage kiss between Matty Healy and bassist Ross MacDonald.
A UK judge tossed out claims brought by the festival organizers Future Sound Asia that specifically cited the four members of the band. The judge concluded that these claims were “bad as a matter of law and there is no reason why” they should go to trial.
However, Future Sound Asia will be able to continue its lawsuit against the 1975’s corporate entity, The 1975 Productions LLP, which signed the contract with the festival. “There were no personal dealings between [Future Sound Asia] and the band members,” the judge wrote. “The band members were entitled to limit their liability by incorporating the LLP to enter into contracts for their foreign performances. They are not the same as the LLP, which is a distinct and separate legal entity.”
The dispute between the band and the festival erupted when The 1975 played Good Vibes in Kuala Lumpur in July 2023. During the set, Healy criticized Malaysia laws against same-sex relationships, then kissed McDonald. In response, The 1975’s set was cut short and the Malaysian government canceled the rest of the festival - resulting in severe financial losses for the organizers.
Future Sound Asia then took the band to court for compensatory damages and breach of contract. The 1975 have denied any responsibility and previously claimed that festival organizers should’ve known the band’s history of supporting LGBTQ rights onstage and that by booking them, they “voluntarily accepted” the possible consequences.
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