Hip hop group Kneecap, hailing from Ireland, is under investigation by the UK’s counter-terrorism police after recordings surfaced where band members purportedly called for violence against politicians and expressed support for Hamas and Hezbollah. The controversy escalated following the band’s appearances at the Coachella festival, where they openly criticised Israel’s actions in Gaza, attracting significant backlash.
The investigation was launched after the videos drew public outrage, resulting in the cancellation of several of the band’s scheduled performances. Some politicians have called for Kneecap to be removed from the lineup of upcoming festivals, including Glastonbury. In response to the increasing scrutiny, many artists have rallied in support of Kneecap’s freedom of expression.
Recent footage has prompted criticism, featuring a member of Kneecap advocating harm against Conservative politicians, which reignited discussions about the safety of elected officials. Particularly vocal was Katie Amess, the daughter of David Amess—an MP murdered in 2021—who labelled the band’s comments as “abhorrent” and hazardous to public safety. She emphasised the need for accountability in cases of incitement.
Kneecap has expressed remorse to the families of previously murdered politicians while asserting that their comments have been misconstrued in a targeted smear campaign, particularly due to their critiques of Israel and US policy regarding Gaza. The Metropolitan Police confirmed awareness of the videos and are assessing them for potential incitement to violence.
The videos, which have gained traction following Kneecap’s Coachella performance, showcase the group urging chants supporting Palestine while harshly criticising military actions in Gaza. The ongoing fallout has led to the cancellation of their appearances at major events, including cancellations at German festivals and other concerts across Europe.
In a turn of events, some politicians, including Kemi Badenoch, called for criminal charges against the band, arguing that such rhetoric should not go unpunished. Meanwhile, Kneecap’s management and other musicians have defended the group, asserting that the controversy reflects broader attempts to silence discussions about Palestine.
The situation continues to evolve, as Kneecap insists that the real issue lies in the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, rather than the band’s controversial statements. Their manager highlighted that the reaction to the band is a clear message to other artists about the risks of speaking out on sensitive political issues.