Kneecap praised as ‘role models’ for responding to Coachella criticism.
Kneecap has revealed an official statement after projecting pro-Palestine messages at Coachella (Picture: Scott Dudelson/Getty Images for Coachella). Kneecap has received praise from various artists like Macklemore after responding to criticism regarding their pro-Palestine display at Coachella.
The Belfast rap group, consisting of Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap, and DJ Próvaí, faced backlash from high-profile figures, including Sharon Osbourne, who called for their work visas to be revoked following their performance. Known for their Irish republican songs and advocacy for Palestine, the group appeared on stage during the festival’s second weekend, projecting three impactful messages.
The projections stated: ‘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.’ The crowd joined in, chanting ‘Free, free Palestine’. The subsequent backlash included multiple death threats directed at the group, as revealed by Kneecap’s manager, Daniel Lambert.
After the performance, Mo expressed to media outlets that they have been advocating for Palestine at every show well before this event, stating they felt an ‘obligation to speak out at Coachella as the USA is the main funder and supplier of weapons to Israel.’ In a recent Instagram post, the band reiterated their stance, claiming they are the targets of a ‘coordinated smear campaign’.
The statement continued: ‘For over a year, we have used our shows to call out the British and Irish governments’ complicity in war crimes. The recent attacks against us, largely coming from the US, are based on deliberate distortions and falsehoods. We are taking action against several of these malicious efforts.’
They accused their critics of ‘silencing criticism of a mass slaughter’, highlighting the importance of their message to their growing audience. The group emphasized: ‘We do not give a f**k what religion anyone practices. We know there are massive numbers of Jewish people outraged by this genocide just as we are.’ They concluded by commending the young people who attend their shows, stating, ‘They give us great hope.’
The Instagram post also featured a clip of their manager discussing the issue on the radio. Friends and fans have taken to the comments to express their support for Kneecap’s unwavering stance. ‘That’s it,’ artist Macklemore commented, accompanied by heart and clapping emojis. Others expressed similar sentiments, emphasizing the significance of the band’s message and the inspiration they provide to many.
In an interview with a local radio station, Daniel stated: ‘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 say that they had said something that wasn’t being said and that these kids believed in. Many young individuals expressed gratitude for speaking what is right and just, even when it is sadly not echoed enough.’
Currently, the counter-terrorism police are investigating a Kneecap performance in London after a video surfaced showing one of the group members shouting support for groups it is illegal to express support for. A spokesperson from the Met Police stated: ‘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 investigation is necessary.’
