Kneecap, the Irish-speaking rap trio from the north of Eire, have by no means been refined — whether or not it’s about partying or their activism. There’s a genocide occurring in Gaza, and at almost each public occasion they’ve appeared at, Kneecap have voiced that one thing must be executed about it. Should you’re not aware of them, a fast scroll on their social media feeds demonstrates the trio’s ethical obligation.
As their profile grows, new followers or listeners may not be aware of this. So when the rowdy trio took the desert stage at Coachella over these previous couple weekends, their performances unsurprisingly may need had some flower crown-dawning attendees clutching their pearls.
The primary weekend that Kneecap carried out at Coachella, they famous that their anti-Thatcher and pro-Palestine, anti-Isreal messages have been censored. To be sure that positively didn’t occur on the next weekend, since their present was not formally streamed, they have been joined by leftist social media character Hasan Piker in broadcasting pro-Palestine messages on stage and on livestreams to deliver consciousness to the continuing genocide.
Their valiant efforts created an uproar from Fox Information and Sharon Osbourne. The latter was additionally bummed that Inexperienced Day voiced their opinions at such a big pageant, noting that if it was their very own headline present then it might have been “extra acceptable.” One may argue that that’s precisely why it was vital to broadcast activism with a bigger, extra numerous crowd. Osbourne additionally urged followers to advocate for the revocation of Kneecap’s work visas.
The turbulence round Kneecap has not stopped. In the present day, The Hollywood Reporter confirmed that they parted methods with their reserving company Unbiased Artist Group. Although, it’s unclear if the cut up with their agent is definitely associated to any of this controversy. Kneecap have additionally launched an announcement concerning the huge response from their Coachella efficiency, together with a video of their supervisor mentioning on stay radio the confused nature of the world fixating extra about particular person opinions quite than government-funded mass homicide.
“Since our statements at Coachella — exposing the continuing genocide in opposition to the Palestinian folks — we’ve got confronted a coordinated smear marketing campaign,” their assertion reads. It continues:
For over a 12 months, we’ve got used our exhibits to name out the British and Irish governments’ complicity in conflict crimes.
The current assaults in opposition to us, largely emanating from the US, are primarily based on deliberate distortions and falsehoods. We’re taking motion in opposition to a number of of those malicious efforts.
Allow us to be completely clear.
The rationale Kneecap is being focused is straightforward — we’re telling the reality, and our viewers is rising.
These attacking us need to silence criticism of a mass slaughter. They weaponize false accusations of antisemitism to distract, confuse, and supply cowl for genocide.
We don’t give a f*ck what faith anybody practices. We all know there are huge numbers of Jewish folks outraged by this genocide simply as we’re. What we care about is that governments of the international locations we carry out in are enabling a few of the most horrific crimes of our lifetimes — and we is not going to keep silent.
No media spin will change this.
Our solely concern is the Palestinian folks — the 20,000 murdered youngsters and counting.
The younger folks at our gigs see by way of the lies.
They stand on the aspect of humanity and justice.
And that offers us nice hope.
Kneecap ❤️
See Kneecap’s submit beneath.
KNEECAP STATEMENT:
Since our statements at Coachella — exposing the continuing genocide in opposition to the Palestinian folks — we’ve got confronted a coordinated smear marketing campaign.
For over a 12 months, we’ve got used our exhibits to name out the British and Irish governments’ complicity in conflict crimes.… pic.twitter.com/mBojb5QBOP
— KNEECAP (@KNEECAPCEOL) April 25, 2025
Kneecap are touring the US and Canada this fall. Your entire tour is offered out.