Matty Healy, lead vocalist of The 1975, has defended onstage kissing with his bandmate at a festival in Malaysia during a 10-minute speech at a concert in Dallas, Texas. Healy had been advised not to discuss the incident. The performance was criticized by some LGBT Malaysians who accused Healy of displaying a “white savior complex.” In July, young Malaysians claimed that Healy’s actions were indicative of a patronizing Western attitude towards Asia.
Healy, however, defended his actions during the speech. He explained that the band had been invited by the festival organizers, who were aware of their political views and the content of their shows. He added that the kiss was not meant to be a provocative stunt against the Malaysian government but a regular part of their stage show. He also said that the criticism of the band for being consistent with their pro-LGBT stance during their performance was puzzling.
Healy did reference the strict anti-LGBT laws of the country and revealed that authorities had briefly imprisoned the band. He concluded his speech by reminding the audience that if festival organizers invite performers from outside their country, they should expect that they will bring their Western values with them.
This is not the first time that Matty Healy has addressed online criticism during a concert. He previously apologized for his actions in Los Angeles and mocking Asian and Hawaiian accents while mimicking Japanese people laboring in concentration camps. During his performance at the Hollywood Bowl, he admitted that it was part of his misguided attempt at fulfilling the personality role of a 21st-century rock star
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