Irish-language rap group Kneecap have responded to criticism of their statements about Israel during their Coachella performance on the weekend, stating that their statements are “not aggressive” compared to Israel’s attacks on Gaza. During their second set at Coachella music festival in California on 18 April, the group led the crowd in chants of “free, free Palestine” and displayed messages on the stage’s screens criticizing Israel’s actions and the US government’s support of them.
Kneecap member Mo Chara also criticized Israel’s bombing of Gaza, stating that it is a genocide. In the wake of the performance, TV presenter Sharon Osbourne and some Fox News commentators condemned the band’s political statements, calling them hate speech and comparing them to Nazi Germany. Kneecap responded by saying that their statements are not aggressive compared to the murder of 20,000 children.
The band’s manager, Daniel Lambert, said they received death threats after their performance at Coachella. Despite this, the group has announced that they have sold out their entire October tour of Canada and the US. The US State Department stated that they consider revoking work visas based on potential visa ineligibility, threats to public safety, or other situations where revocation is warranted.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/apr/24/kneecap-say-statements-arent-aggressive-after-denouncing-israel-at-coachella
