Kneecap responds to Coachella backlash after pro-Palestine messages and Sharon Osbourne controversy
The band has faced huge backlash.
Kneecap has responded to recent backlash following criticism after pro-Palestine projections during their Coachella set.
The Belfast rap group, which consists of Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí, is known for songs that promote Irish republican themes such as Get Your Brits Out.
They have also been vocal supporters of Palestine, regularly performing with Palestinian flags on stage and leading ‘Free, Free Palestine’ chants during their sets.
The group faced controversy after they ended their set at the second weekend of Coachella with three pro-Palestine messages on a screen.
The messages read: ‘Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people’, ‘It is being enabled by the US government who arm and fund Israel despite their war crimes,’ and ‘F*** Israel. Free Palestine.’
A huge amount of criticism has followed, including a scathing message from Sharon Osbourne, who suggested their work visas should be revoked.
In an email to Rolling Stone, band member Mo Chara explained that Kneecap has spoken about Palestine ‘at every single gig since the band’s formation, long before October 2023 as the oppression and brutal occupation of Palestine has been ongoing for 77 years.’
The band sparked backlash after an anti-Israel display during the Coachella set (Picture: @realtombibiyan/x)He elaborated that the band felt they had an ‘obligation’ to speak out.
‘We believe we have an obligation to use our platform when we can to raise the issue of Palestine, and it was important for us to speak out at Coachella as the USA is the main funder and supplier of weapons to Israel as they commit genocide in Gaza.’
‘As I said from the stage, “the U.S. government could stop the genocide tomorrow.” It’s important that young Americans hear and know it.
During the band’s performance during the first weekend, they planned to have several projections with pro-Palestine text on them, but they didn’t make it onstage.
Mo Chara revealed that the band also had no idea that their set was cut short on Coachella’s YouTube live stream.
‘We only heard about it the next day and haven’t heard from anyone officially. It’s not surprising, large companies don’t like to hear the truth unless it suits their narrative and pocket.’
The group is comprised of Moglai Bap (Naoise O Caireallain, L), Mo Chara (Liam Og O Hannaidh, C), and DJ Provai (JJ O Dochartaigh, R) (Picture: BENJAMIN CREMEL/AFP via Getty Images) The band performed on both weekends (Picture: Getty Images)In the email to the outlet, Mo Chara said that the crowd launching into a ‘Free Palestine’ chant is something that happens at all of their gigs.
He added: ‘The crowd chanting “Free Palestine” at Coachella was a message of solidarity to the people of Gaza from regular Americans who want to see an end to the genocide, despite their government’s arming and funding Israel.’
The musicians’ manager, Daniel Lambert, has revealed that the band has received death threats following their Coachella appearance, and he couldn’t outline details as they were ‘too severe’ to outline on air.
Follow Metro on WhatsApp to be the first to get all the latest newsFollow us to receive the latest news updates from Metro (Picture: Getty Images)
Metro’s on Whatsapp! Join our community for breaking news and juicy stories.
In an interview on RTE Radio, he added: ‘If somebody is hurt by the truth, that’s something for them to be hurt by. But it’s really important to speak truth, and thankfully, the lads are not afraid to do that.
‘The beautiful reaction has been the hundreds of young Americans who came up to us at Coachella, to the lads, to say that they had said something that wasn’t being said in America and that these kids believed in.
‘That was said to us by young girls, young boys, people in their 20s, 30s, and so, so many people came up to say thank you for saying what is right, what is just, and something that sadly isn’t said enough.’
Footage from a recent set is also about to be investigated (Picture: Scott Dudelson/Getty Images for Coachella)This news comes as it is announced that counter-terrorism police are investigating a Kneecap performance at a London venue.
A video appeared to show one member of the group shouting ‘Up Hamas, up Hezbollah,’ with a Hezbollah flag shown during a performance at the Kentish Town Forum.
The clips were posted by Danny Morris, from Jewish security charity the Community Security Trust,.
Hamas and Hezbollah are banned in the UK, and it is a crime to express support for them.
A Met Police spokesperson told PA news agency: ‘We have been made aware of the video and it has been referred to the Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit for assessment and to determine whether any further police investigation may be required.’
Metro has reached out to Kneecap’s representatives for comment.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
