DUBLIN singer Demot Kennedy was among acts to perform at a Malaysian music festival before organisers cancelled the remainder of the event after the frontman of British band The 1975 kissed his bandmate in protest at the country's harsh laws on homosexuality.
Kennedy, whose song 'Kiss Me' reached number 4 in the Irish singles chart last year, was among Friday's line-up at the three-day Good Vibes festival in Kuala Lumpur.
Friday's acts were headlined by The 1975, and during their performance, singer Matt Healy spoke out against Malaysia's laws that can see homosexual acts punished with up to 20 years in prison.
Healy told the crowd he was "furious" over the laws before kissing the band's bass player Ross MacDonald.
He also told the audience: "You're not representative of your government. Because you're young people, and I'm sure a lot of you are gay and progressive and cool."
The band's performance was cut short and they left the stage. The following day, the festival organisers announced they were cancelling the remaining two days.
Among the cancelled acts due to play on Saturday and Sunday were New York rockers The Strokes, Australian rapper Kid Laroi, and US DJ Porter Robinson.
In a statement, the organisers said the order to cancel the remainder of the festival was made by Malaysia's Ministry of Communications and Digital.
"The ministry has underlined its unwavering stance against any parties that challenge, ridicule or contravene Malaysian laws," they said.
The BBC reported that a source close to the band said they had wanted to to "stand up for their LGBTQ+ fans and community".
The 1975 have now been banned from future performances in Malaysia, while the band has cancelled upcoming gigs in Indonesia and Taiwan.
Dermot Kennedy meanwhile, is scheduled to continue his own Asia tour with a performance on Monday night in Bangkok, Thailand, followed by shows in Hong Kong and the Taiwanese capital Taipai.
