American singer and songwriter Lauv, also known as Ari Staprans Leff, has cancelled his shows in Malaysia.
The "I Like Me Better" singer earlier announced his "The Between Albums Tour" in Asia, which also includes stops in Japan, South Korea, Indonesia and Singapore, among others.
He was scheduled to perform at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) on Sep. 7, but added an additional show on Sep. 6 due to high demand.
Cancellation
However, both of his shows in Malaysia were later cancelled, as confirmed by entertainment company Live Nation Malaysia's website and email screenshots sent to ticket holders.
Screenshot via Live Nation Malaysia website.
According to the email from Live Nation Malaysia, the sold-out shows were cancelled due to “unforeseen circumstances”.
#LAUVinKL officially canceled. Refund will be made only after I receive refund from GoLive. pic.twitter.com/lK6hIa3tQm
— jaja 💫 | 🎫 (@_ZH4NGH40) July 30, 2023
OMGGGG WHATTTT
ITS 2 DAYS SOLD OUT SHOWS!!!
DAH BELI TIC WEIIIII
TAKKAN NAK KENA PERGI SINGAPORE!!
its on weekdays!!!!!! 😭😭😭😭😭#LAUVinKL 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/Odk6Xc1L5t
— Sheila 쉴라 (@sheilabcdefghi) July 30, 2023
It also noted that refunds will be issued to all those who bought tickets and apologised for any inconvenience caused.
Ticketing partner GoLive Asia also issued a statement with regards to the cancellation.
Announcement from GoLive
Will notify those affected once I receive the refunds. Your patience is greatly appreciated 🙏🏼 #LAUVinKL pic.twitter.com/Q853dv7F5H
— Think Tixs, Think Thicc 🎫 (@thiccshopMY) July 30, 2023
Response
Many fans who were looking forward to Lauv's shows took to social media to express their disappointment.
Reactivated bcos I just read my email to #LauvInKL cancellation of two days sold out concert?? My seat was front and center too 😭 @lauvsongs pic.twitter.com/nH9k2DohiY
— flora (@onechutree) July 30, 2023
if #LAUVinKL got cancelled i’m gonna be super sad I’VE BEEN WAITING HIM FOR YEARS 😭😭😭
— sherry ☆⁵ (@0310diary) July 30, 2023
i’ve been crying the whole day after finding out i won’t be seeing and listening to #LAUVinKL live after anticipating for 5 years.
please say sike @lauvsongs @livenationmy 😭💔
— kels. (@kellyouknowho) July 30, 2023
Some also demanded an explanation from the singer and the relevant parties for the sudden announcement.
🧵THREAD🧵
Now, why on earth did #LAUVinKL got cancelled? Is the rest of the Asia tour cancelled or just KL? If it's because of M***y, it's not fair. If it isn't because of him, then give us a proper explaination.@lauvsongs @livenationmy @PRWorldwide
— Justin (@justinaaronraj) July 30, 2023
Anyone cares to give a proper explanation or no on why the sudden cancellation cause what the fuck is this 😭😭😭 IVE BEEN ANTICIPATING FOR SO MANY MONTHS AND I GET THIS?! THE FANS DONT DESERVE THIS 😭😭 and my seat….. I HAVE THE BEST SEAT wtf….. #LauvInKL
— wy⁷ (@jjhsrm) July 30, 2023
Speculations
A few fans speculated that Lauv could have cancelled his shows in Malaysia due to him recently identifying himself as a bisexual man on his TikTok.
The video I saw few days ago, I was happy for him coming out but at the same time I hv a thought that I scare my country will see the vid and cancel him..
and here we go.. got cancelled 😔#LAUVinKL pic.twitter.com/U9MlkYc7uo
— Zoe 💫🐳 (@SolarMaxx9) July 30, 2023
Why do I feel Lauv’s cancellation of 2 sold out dates in KL have something to do with this… 😩😩😩 mind you this is pure speculation on my end huhu #LAUVinKL pic.twitter.com/gf0r3GzRbq
— Huzaimi Tahir (@HuzaimiTahir) July 30, 2023
While it remains speculation, British band Coldplay ran into trouble with the Malaysian authorities after lead singer Chris Martin held a rainbow flag at a Wembley Stadium show in London, showing his support for the LGBTQ+ community.
This led to at least one major Malaysian politician calling for the show to be cancelled. Martin later released a video seemingly acknowledging the controversy.
So, LAUV opened up about him being bisexual pretty recently and now his sold-out shows in Malaysia got cancelled instead...
Yep, fuck Matty Healy for creating a new stigma towards international acts who are ACTUALLY a part of LGBT group. #LAUVInKL
— Zara Kayangan⁷ 🏴 (@ZaraKayangan_) July 30, 2023
Some connected it to the recent controversy at Malaysia’s Good Vibes Festival.
Controversy
The 1975's lead singer Matt Healy had called the country's government a "bunch of f**king r*tards" for its anti-LGBTQ+ policies and kissed his bandmate on stage on the festival’s first night.
The band was later blacklisted from the country and the rest of the festival was called off.
It also cancelled its shows in Jakarta and Taipei.
Related:
Top images via Instagram/@livenation.my & Twitter/@_ZH4NGH40