RTÉ: Kneecap management agreed not to wear pro-Palestine badges on Late Late Show

Kneecap voiced their support for Palestine on Friday night's Late Late Show

RTÉ has said that Belfast rappers Kneecap had agreed through their management not to wear badges in support of Palestine on Friday's Late Late Show.

The group made headlines following their performance and interview when DJ Próvaí performed a "costume change" while on the couch talking to host Patrick Kielty.

DJ Próvaí revealed a Palestinian football jersey while the other members put on watermelon badges which have become a symbol of the pro-Palestine movement.

In a statement, RTÉ said the group's management informed them that the men intended to wear badges in support of Palestine.

Producers then asked for the badges to be removed and explained the relevant guidelines.

"The producers were clear that, while it would have been a disappointment, Kneecap’s performance could not proceed if they wore the badges," a spokesperson said.

"After discussions with Kneecap’s management, they agreed that the badges would not be worn.

"However, during the live performance and the subsequent interview, the band chose not to comply with that agreement. They put badges on and revealed that one band member was wearing a Palestinian football jersey."

Kneecap's protest follows the controversy following last week's performance by Irish Women in Harmony who were also asked to take off clothing and badges related to Palestine.

RTÉ said that the same Journalism and Content Guidelines were applied to Kneecap as had been for the Irish Women in Harmony.

"Given the nature of live television, there always remains a risk of unplanned programming.

"However, our team of editorial professionals acted in full compliance with the RTÉ Journalism and Content Guidelines and adapted the filming and took appropriate action whereby the host provided context and balance to the discussion."

After the football jersey was revealed, Kielty addressed the move saying that their thoughts are with everybody in that conflict.

"I am also obliged to say that in the politics there is another side. Some people might not agree with what you've done."

On tonight’s @RTELateLateShow….. pic.twitter.com/x09myJ7ELQ

— KNEECAP (@KNEECAPCEOL) February 23, 2024

Kneecap responded by doubling down on their support for the people in Palestine saying that they are using the platform given to them to "highlight the genocide that's happening in Palestine at the moment".

The audience applauded the statement before Mo Chara, another member of the group, added that 30,000 people have been "murdered by American weapons" saying two-thirds of those were women and children.

"I think that's why we feel like we have to use this platform as an opportunity to ask the Irish people to attend rallies and protests, to support the BDS movement and to show solidarity to Palestine. Hopefully one day Palestine will be free."

Following Friday night's episode, the band shared a clip of the interview with the words "Free Palestine" next to the Palestinian flag.

The RTÉ Journalism and Content Guidelines say that emblems and badges can be worn in the studio where a guest or contributor is on a panel or being interviewed in relation to the relevant subject.