Kneecap backlash grows — but genocide in Gaza continues without consequence

When people are more outraged about a band’s political statements than about the brutal deaths of thousands of children, something is very wrong
Kneecap backlash grows — but genocide in Gaza continues without consequence

Fans of Irish hip hop trio Kneecap wait for the band to perform during the 2025 Coachella festival in California: They have been dropped from festivals in Germany, and the band’s US booking agent has cut ties. Picture: Valerie Macon/AFP via Getty Images

Irish rap trio Kneecap have been at the centre of controversy since their now infamous Coachella set, their statements on Israel and Palestine fuelling a voracious backlash from public figures and political leaders.

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has called for the hip-hop artists to be prosecuted. UK intelligence is investigating the group for alleged support of terrorist movements for a video dredged up from 2023 in which they allegedly say "the only good Tory is a dead Tory". 

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