The 1975, the popular British rock band, has been slapped with a hefty £2 million in damages for allegedly violating their contract with Future Sound Asia (FSA), the organizers of the Good Vibes festival in Malaysia. The crux of FSA’s claim was that the band had assured them in writing that their performance would adhere to all local guidelines and regulations.

However, during their set at the festival held in Kuala Lumpur last July, frontman Matty Healy delivered a speech about homosexuality which is considered illegal in Malaysia. He also kissed bassist Ross MacDonald on stage, causing controversy and sparking outrage among authorities and conservative factions.

FSA claimed that this “abusive language, equipment damage, and indecent stage behavior” caused them to cancel the event altogether, resulting in disappointment for attendees who missed out on performances by headliners such as The Kid Laroi and The Strokes.

In response to these allegations, FSA issued a letter of claim demanding acknowledgment of liability and compensation for damages from The 1975. In fact, they specified that an amount of £2,099,154.54 should be paid as restitution.

The legal counsel for FSA emphasized that the breach of contract by The 1975 not only affected FSA but also caused significant repercussions for local artists and small businesses who were counting on the festival for creative opportunities and financial support.

The Malaysian Ministry of Communications and Digital responded by blacklisting The 1975 under an authority responsible for overseeing foreign artists performing in Malaysia. Furthermore, as a consequence of this incident, the band canceled two tour dates scheduled in Jakarta, Indonesia and Taipei Music Centre in Taiwan.

By taking legal action, FSA aims to seek closure for the affected Malaysian community. If no resolution is reached, they are prepared to initiate legal proceedings in English courts.

Representatives for Matty Healy have been approached for comment on this matter.

An ex-gang leader has transformed his life and is now mentoring teenagers at a church in London. Onyeka Power, known as Pastor Onyeka, preaches passionately to a congregation of young people at Eternal Life Ministries UK. Having grown up in Brixton, he became involved with a gang as a teenager and lived a dangerous life constantly looking over his shoulder.

Realizing the futility of the gang lifestyle, he decided to change his path and found solace in religion. With the guidance of faith, he turned away from violence and crime to follow a more righteous path.

Pastor Onyeka’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. He faced threats even after turning his life around but remained steadfast in his commitment to peace. Now aged 27, he has started his own church with his wife in Walthamstow and serves as a role model for many young people.

Believing that providing safe spaces and positive role models is crucial for young people, Pastor Onyeka goes beyond preaching by helping aspiring football players secure trials and starting a monthly food bank. He also dreams of opening a games room where youth can enjoy video games, table tennis, and snooker.

The impact he has made on those around him is clear: one congregant describes how Pastor Onyeka helped him escape from difficult circumstances and become a better version of himself. Others find solace in the community he has created at Eternal Life Ministries UK.

Pastor Onyeka’s hope is that through his work, others will be inspired to leave behind destructive lifestyles and find fulfillment, joy, and satisfaction just as he did.

Eighteen-year-old Bacari-Bronze O’Garro, known as Mizzy, was charged in May after footage of “distressing” incidents in his videos emerged. The incidents included unauthorized entry into a residential premises and unsolicited approaches towards members of the public. O’Garro was given a two-year criminal behaviour order and ordered to pay fines.

At the Wireless Festival on July 7, TikTok clips showed O’Garro attempting to jump over a barrier and subsequently being escorted out by security guards. He was initially arrested for breaching an order to disperse, with five other individuals also arrested for violating the same order.

O’Garro had an existing criminal behaviour order violation which led to further arrest. Currently, he remains in police custody.

The Wireless Festival is an annual hip-hop event held in Finsbury Park from July 7-9 this year. The lineup featured popular rap artists such as Travis Scott, Playboy Carti, and Ice Spice among others.