Belfast rap trio Kneecap have indicated they are pursuing legal action against what they describe as “false accusations of antisemitism” following controversy over messages about the Gaza conflict displayed during their Coachella festival performance.
The Irish group projected statements accusing Israel of genocide against Palestinians after their set during the second weekend of the California music event. The messages read, “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.”
In response, former X Factor judge Sharon Osbourne called for the revocation of the band’s US work visas, describing their projections as “anti-Israel messages and hate speech.” Kneecap’s manager, Daniel Lambert, reported that the band has since received “severe” death threats.
Addressing the criticism in an Instagram statement, Kneecap claimed they have “faced a coordinated smear campaign” and that their shows have previously “called out” the situation in Gaza. “The recent attacks against us, largely emanating from the US, are based on deliberate distortions and falsehoods,” the statement continued. “We are taking action against several of these malicious efforts.”
The trio, comprising Liam Og O Hannaidh, Naoise O Caireallain, and JJ O Dochartaigh, further stated, “Let us be absolutely clear. The reason Kneecap is being targeted is simpleโwe are telling the truth, and our audience is growing. Those attacking us want to silence criticism of a mass slaughter. They weaponize false accusations of antisemitism to distract, confuse, and provide cover for genocide.”
The band, who perform in both Irish and English, emphasized that “there are massive numbers of Jewish people outraged by this genocide just as we are” and affirmed they “will not stay silent” regarding Gaza. Their Instagram post received support from US rapper Macklemore, American-Irish comedian Des Bishop, Love Island star Matthew MacNabb, and US singer Carsie Blanton.
In her criticism of X, Osbourne identified herself as having “both Irish Catholic on my mother’s side and Ashkenazi Jewish heritage on her father’s side” and urged followers to support revoking Kneecap’s work visa.
Separately, the Metropolitan Police confirmed that counterterrorism officers are investigating footage from a London performance by the group. Online clips shared by Danny Morris from Jewish security charity Community Security Trust appear to show a band member shouting “Up Hamas, up Hezbollah” at a Kentish Town Forum show, with a Hezbollah flag displayed. Both organizations are banned in the UK, and expressing support for them constitutes a criminal offense.
In February, Rich Peppiatt, director and co-writer of a film about Kneecap, received the outstanding debut award for a British writer, director, or producer at the BAFTA Film Awards. The Irish-language film depicting the band’s rise was nominated in six categories.
When questioned about the band’s visa status, a US State Department spokesman declined to comment on specific cases due to privacy considerations and visa confidentiality.
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