Northern Irish hip-hop group Kneecap faced backlash after their pro-Palestinian messaging during their Coachella performance earlier this month. They displayed the words “F— Israel, Free Palestine” on a screen, which prompted outrage online despite their set not being livestreamed. The criticism was described by Kneecap as a “coordinated smear campaign,” asserting that their views on the Gaza conflict are valid. Following the performance, images of their onstage message circulated, drawing ire from many, including Tribe of Nova, the organizers of Israel’s Nova Music Festival, where a deadly Hamas attack occurred on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people. They expressed that Kneecap’s messaging “deeply hurt” their community and invited the band to witness the stories of those affected.
Kneecap defended their stance on X, stating that their critiques of government actions are necessary and that accusing them of antisemitism diverts attention from greater issues. They emphasized that their concern extends beyond religion, highlighting that many Jewish individuals also oppose the violence in Gaza. Amid calls for repercussions, including from TV personality Sharon Osbourne, who deemed the group’s performance as spreading hate, Kneecap continued to assert their right to voice their beliefs. In their second performance, they led the audience in a “free Palestine” chant, drawing parallels between Irish and Palestinian suffering. Osbourne and others have criticized the festival organizers for allowing Kneecap to perform again, raising questions about their presence in the U.S. music scene. As hostilities in Gaza continue, the group’s statements have ignited significant controversy regarding freedom of expression and political activism in music.
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