Kneecap responds to Coachella Gaza row, vows action against pro-Israel supporters

Irish rap group Kneecap have slammed what they described as a "coordinated smear campaign" against their pro-Palestine advocacy, after Israel supporters threatened them over their highly publicised performances at the popular US festival Coachella.

The performances featured slogans in support of Palestinians currently suffering as a result of Israel's brutal war on Gaza.

The Belfast-based trio issued a statement on social media platform Instagram, doubling down on their anti-war sentiment while rejecting claims that they had said anything antisemitic.

Music manager and reality TV star Sharon Osbourne had recently called for Kneecap’s US visas to be revoked, accusing the group of promoting "aggressive" anti-Israel messaging during their performance at the Coachella music festival.

“Since our statements at Coachella- exposing the ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people- we have faced a coordinated smear campaign,” the group wrote.

"For over a year, we have used our shows to call out the British and Irish governments’ complicity in war crimes."

Kneecap argued that they were being "targeted" for a clear reason.

“We are telling the truth, and our audience is growing. Those attacking us want to silence criticism of a mass slaughter. They weaponise false accusations of antisemitism to distract, confuse, and provide cover for genocide."

The group stressed that their politics were not intended to target any marginalised group, but rather to highlight the plight of Palestinians, especially after the Gaza war began in October 2023.

"We do not give a f*** what religion anyone practises. We know there are massive numbers of Jewish people outraged by this genocide just as we are. What we care about is that governments of the countries we perform in are enabling some of the most horrific crimes of our lifetimes- and we will not stay silent."

The group also hinted that they may pursue legal action over threats against them, after Kneecap’s manager Daniel Lambert revealed the band had received "severe" death threats.

They said: "The recent attacks against us, largely emanating from the US, are based on deliberate distortions and falsehoods. We are taking action against several of those malicious efforts."

Their post received support from figures including US rapper Macklemore, Love Island UK star Matthew MacNabb, and US singer Carsie Blanton.

MacNabb commented: "To be Irish is to defend the vulnerable! Doing us Northerners proud lads!"

On Wednesday, Sky News reported that UK counter-terrorism police were assessing a video allegedly filmed at a concert in London by the Irish-language rap group- comprising Liam Og O Hannaidh, Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh.

A clip circulating on social media, claimed that a member of the group shouted "up Hamas, up Hezbollah", both of which are proscribed as terrorist organisations in the UK.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson issued a statement confirming that authorities had "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."

The rap trio, known for their pro-Palestine messaging during performances, appeared at California’s Coachella Festival - one of the world’s most high-profile music events - on 18 April.

During their set, a large screen displayed the messages "F*** Israel. Free Palestine" and "Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people."

The group also led the audience in chants of "Free, free Palestine", with one of the trio donning a keffiyeh scarf, a symbol of Palestinian identity.