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Kneecap Responds to Criticism Over Coachella Performance, Defends Stance on Israel
Irish-language rap group Kneecap has addressed the backlash following their statements concerning Israel during their recent performance at the Coachella music festival. The group maintains that their expressions are “not aggressive” when viewed against the backdrop of Israel’s actions in Gaza, sparking debate and highlighting the intersection of music and political commentary. This response underscores the group’s commitment to using their platform to raise awareness about the Palestinian cause, igniting further discussion about freedom of speech and artistic expression within the context of global conflicts.
Coachella Performance and Statements
During their performance at the Coachella music festival on April 18th, Kneecap, known for their pro-Palestine stance and politically charged performances, engaged the audience in chants of “Free, Free Palestine.” Furthermore, messages displayed on the screens 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.”
- “Fuck Israel. Free Palestine.”
Mo Chara, a member of Kneecap, also openly voiced his criticism of Israel’s bombing of Gaza, emphasizing the lack of safe havens for Palestinians and questioning the definition of the conflict if not considered a genocide.
Backlash and Repercussions
Following their Coachella set, the rap group Kneecap faced condemnation from various public figures. TV personality Sharon Osbourne, for instance, denounced the band’s inclusion of “aggressive political statements” in their performance, alleging it constituted hate speech and advocating for the revocation of their US work visas. Additionally, commentators on Fox News drew parallels between the remarks made during their Coachella performance and Nazi Germany.
Kneecap’s Response to Criticism
In response to Osbourne’s criticisms, Kneecap conveyed to BBC News Northern Ireland that “Statements aren’t aggressive, murdering 20,000 children is though.”
Manager’s Statement and Support
Daniel Lambert, Kneecap’s manager, revealed to Irish broadcaster RTÉ that the band had received death threats in the wake of their Coachella performance. He described these threats as “too severe to get into.” The band has also been sharing supportive messages received on social media.
Rising Popularity and Tour
Kneecap, composed of Móglaí Bap and Mo Chara from Belfast, and DJ Próvaí from Derry, has cultivated a substantial following in the United States. Recently, they declared the complete sell-out of their October tour across Canada and the US.
US State Department Statement
In a statement provided to BBC News Northern Ireland, the US State Department mentioned that considerations for revoking work visas involve evaluating information that “may indicate a potential visa ineligibility under US immigration laws, pose a threat to public safety, or other situations where revocation is warranted.”