During their performance at the Glastonbury music festival on Saturday, the Irish-language rap group Kneecap paused their set to address a controversial topic that has garnered significant attention. Mo Chara, one of the band's members, stated to the audience, “Israel are war criminals,” before leading the crowd in a chant for Palestinian freedom.
Kneecap's performance drew a large crowd, prompting festival organizers to restrict access to the arena due to overcrowding. This event followed a tumultuous few months for the group, which included losing its U.S. visa sponsor after making anti-Israel comments at Coachella and facing a terrorism charge against Mo Chara for displaying a Hezbollah flag during a London show. As a result, several festivals and venues removed Kneecap from their lineups.
The Board of Deputies of British Jews called on Glastonbury to prevent the band from performing, stating that it could legitimize their views. Prime Minister Keir Starmer also expressed that it was “not appropriate” for Kneecap to perform at the festival, a sentiment echoed by the BBC, which did not broadcast their set.
Despite the backlash from lawmakers and Jewish organizations, many festival-goers expressed support for the band. One attendee described Kneecap as "really inspirational," while another indicated that they were drawn to the group due to its recent controversies.
Kneecap, formed in a working-class area of Belfast, gained notoriety for their lyrics about partying and drug use. They expanded their reach after releasing a feature film about their origins, which won a BAFTA award. While their music often revolves around hedonism, they have made political statements, particularly regarding Northern Ireland and its relationship with Britain.
In light of the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, Kneecap's pro-Palestinian comments have intensified, especially after the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023. Their performance at Coachella included a controversial anti-Israel slogan, leading to the termination of their U.S. booking agent and visa sponsor.
Kneecap has a planned North American tour this fall, but they must reapply for U.S. visas, facing potential challenges due to the terrorism charge and their critical stance on Israel. The band's manager stated that they would not alter their views to facilitate visa approval, emphasizing their focus on humanitarian issues.
Support for Palestinians is deeply rooted in Ireland, with many linking it to shared historical struggles against British colonialism. Kneecap's statements regarding Israel and Palestine are viewed by their management as genuine expressions of empathy, not mere provocations.
The band has been the subject of intense media scrutiny in the UK, with right-leaning tabloids labeling them negatively since the onset of the terrorism investigation. Historical parallels have been drawn to past public outrage directed at controversial music acts, suggesting such backlash can inadvertently increase their popularity.
The future of Kneecap may hinge on the outcome of the case against Mo Chara, who faces a maximum sentence of six months if found guilty. Upcoming court hearings will determine the legal proceedings moving forward, with calls from the band for public support during this time.
At Glastonbury, Móglaà Bap urged attendees to support Mo Chara at the courthouse, although he later clarified that he did not intend for any violence, advocating instead for love and support.