IINDIO, Calif. — Irish hip-hop trio Kneecap ignited controversy during their performances at Coachella 2025 by projecting messages condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza and criticizing U.S. support for Israel. Their first performance was censored from the festival’s livestream, and the backlash included calls from public figures like Sharon Osbourne to revoke their U.S. work visas, according to reports from Business Insider and others. Following the incident, their U.S. agency dropped them, jeopardizing their American tour due to visa concerns.
The group, comprising Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap, and DJ Próvaí, has a history of politically charged performances. In 2023 Scottish Sun reported the trio allegedly encouraged fans to “kill your local MP” and expressed support for proscribed organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah during a London show. These actions have prompted investigations by UK counter-terrorism police.
Kneecap has responded to the backlash by denouncing what they describe as a “coordinated smear campaign” aimed at silencing their criticism of alleged war crimes. The Independent reports that they emphasize that their statements are not aggressive compared to the violence they attribute to Israeli actions in Gaza. The band has also reported receiving death threats following their Coachella performances.
Despite the controversy, Kneecap’s popularity continues to grow, with their October tour in Canada and the U.S. reportedly sold out. The group remains steadfast in using their platform to advocate for political causes they believe in, asserting that their audience supports their message of justice and human rights according to The Guardian.
As debates over the intersection of art, politics, and free speech continue, Kneecap’s actions at Coachella have sparked discussions about the role of artists in political discourse and the boundaries of acceptable expression in public performances.
Leave a Reply