LONDON (AP) — Members of the British band The 1975 cannot be held personally liable for losses of a Malaysian music festival that was shut down by authorities after lead singer Matty Healy kissed a male bandmate on stage, a London judge ruled Monday. The organizer of the Good Vibes Festival is seeking 1.9 million […]
A London judge ruled that members of the British band The 1975 cannot be held personally liable for losses incurred by the cancellation of the Good Vibes Festival in Malaysia after lead singer Matty Healy kissed bassist Ross MacDonald on stage. The festival organizer, Future Sound Asia, is seeking 1.9 million pounds ($2.4 million) in damages, citing the kiss, which sparked widespread backlash in the predominantly Muslim country where homosexuality is illegal. The judge dismissed claims against the band members, stating they were "bad as a matter of law," but allowed the case to proceed against The 1975 Productions LLP, the band's company. The organizer also accused the band of deliberately provoking authorities by violating agreements not to engage in controversial behavior during the performance.
