Kneecap Face Scrutiny Over Past Statements As Political Backlash Mounts

By Ellen Hughes

Kneecap, the Belfast-born rap trio, has recently come under intense scrutiny for expressing politically charged views in support of nationalism and Palestine. The band has since claimed they are facing an “ongoing smear campaign.”

The band – comprised of Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap, and DJ Próvaí – is known for its bold lyricism and unapologetic political stances. Since its formation in 2017, it has been a magnet for controversy, beginning with its name, which is a reference to the paramilitary “kneecappings” that were once a violent method used to address anti-social behaviour during The Troubles. Kneecap’s lyrics mix English with Irish, blending slang and slogans that advocate Irish republican ideals and cultural identity.

More recently, the group sparked backlash after a Coachella performance during which they led chants of “Free Palestine” to a U.S. audience [1]. Tensions escalated further when, in 2023, a video resurfaced which showed the band appearing to call for the deaths of Conservative MPs, a statement which is now under police investigation.

Figures including TV personality Sharon Osbourne [1] and Scottish First Minister John Swinney [2] have publicly condemned the group, calling for them to be dropped from upcoming lineups. Osbourne even urged the U.S. government to revoke their visas, accusing the group of taking
“their performance to a different level” with what she called aggressive political messaging.

Kneecap’s performance at Cornwall’s Eden Project was subsequently cancelled [3], and other future shows now remain uncertain. In response, the group issued a statement on April 28, 2025, apologising to the families of the MP’s referenced in the video, but standing firm in their beliefs. “Footage of us has been exploited and weaponised,” they said, “Our message has always been one of love, inclusion, and hope […] the real crimes are the silence and complicity of those in power.” [4]

Despite the criticism, the band continues to resonate with younger audiences. Many see them as strong voices unafraid to confront political tension head-on. Their use of the Irish language, cultural references, and vocal support for Palestine have earned them a loyal following both in Ireland and abroad.

Still, provocative statements such as “The only good Tory is a dead Tory” have sparked concern, leading authorities to assess whether the group’s language could constitute incitement to violence. In response, several radio stations have removed Kneecap’s music from their playlists. One notable example is their 2018 track “C.E.A.R.T.A”, which was initially featured by Irish national broadcaster RTÉ but later withdrawn due to its strong language and explicit references to drug use.

The particular comments “Up Hamas” and “Up Hezbollah” have also drawn controversy. Kneecap released a statement, including “we have not, and have never, supported Hamas or Hezbollah” [4]. Furthermore, it was announced that those comments – alongside “kill your local MP” – saw the police “assessing” such footage [5].

Despite mounting controversy, support for Kneecap continues to grow. Artists including Pulp and Fontaines D.C. have backed a joint statement from the band’s label, condemning what they describe as “a clear concerted attempt to censor and deplatform” the group [5]. The backlash against Kneecap is particularly controversial concerning Palestine, with the Israeli govenment having recently approved a plan to occupy Gaza – in the 20th month of a war which has led over 50,000 Gazans dead [6]. The backlash has sparked a broader debate about whether political leaders should influence who gets to perform.

References

[1] Spencer-Elliot, L., (2025). “Sharon Osbourne calls for Kneecap to be kicked out of US after Coachella performance”. The Independent, 24 Apr 2025. https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/sharon-osbourne-kneecap-coachella-palestine-israel-b2738467.html

[2] Brown, F., (2025). “John Swinney urged to ‘speak out’ on pro-Israeli artists after Kneecap remarks”. The National Scot, 1 May 2025. https://www.thenational.scot/news/25131220.john-swinney-urged-speak-out-pro-israeli-artists-kneecap/

[3] Sky News, (2025). “Kneecap’s Eden Project gig cancelled amid row over ‘kill MPs’ comments”. Sky News, 29 Apr 2025. https://news.sky.com/story/kneecaps-eden-project-gig-cancelled-amid-row-over-kill-mps-comments-13358275

[4] Kneecap, (2025). “KNEECAP STATEMENT”. Kneecap32 (Instagram), 28 Apr 2025. https://www.instagram.com/p/DJAfZcnMVaW/?hl=en&img_index=2

[5] Rawlinson, K., (2025). “Kneecap row: police assessing ‘kill MP’ and ‘up Hamas, up Hezbollah’ footage”. The Guardian, 1 May 2025. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/may/01/pulp-and-pogues-among-uk-artists-defending-kneecap-against-political-repression

[6] Soroka, L., Timsit, A., Shih, G., Roh, A., Parker, C., (2025). “Israel approves plan to expand Gaza war, including ‘occupation’ of territory”. Washington Post, 5 May 2025. https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/05/04/israel-gaza-war-expansion-reservists/