The 1975 Members Cleared of Liability in Malaysia Festival Case

A London judge has ruled that members of The 1975 cannot be held personally liable in a lawsuit brought by Malaysian festival organizers Future Sound Asia (FSA) over an on-stage kiss during their 2023 performance at the Good Vibes Festival. Judge William Hansen stated that FSA's claims against the band members were 'bad as a matter of law' and there was no reason for the case to go to trial, allowing the lawsuit to proceed only against The 1975 Productions LLP, the band’s corporate entity. The lawsuit sought £1.9 million ($2.4 million) in damages after the performance was cut short and the festival was canceled due to the band's actions, which defied Malaysia’s strict anti-homosexuality laws. The judge ordered FSA to pay approximately $126,000 in legal costs. While the case against the band members was dismissed, FSA's argument included that the band deliberately provoked Malaysian authorities, which The 1975's lawyer called an 'illegitimate' claim. The ruling reflects the legal distinction between the band members and their production company, emphasizing the contractual nature of their relationship with the festival organizers.