Kneecap say statement at Coachella 'not aggressive' after criticism

The west Belfast rap group Kneecap have hit back at a call for their US visas to be revoked after their performance at Coachella where they ended their set with pro-Palestinian messages.

Writing on social media, TV personality and music manager Sharon Osbourne said the hip-hop trio "took their performance to a different level by incorporating aggressive political statements".

When asked by BBC News NI for a response, the band replied: "Statements aren't aggressive, murdering 20,000 children is though."

The festival's organisers have also been approached for comment.

Kneecap have been vocal supporters of the Palestinian people, often raising the conflict in their live performances.

Hamas attacked Israel on 7 October 2023, killing about 1,200 people - mostly civilians - and taking 251 back to Gaza as hostages.

• Israel and the Palestinians: History of the conflict explained
• Why are Israel and Hamas fighting in Gaza?

Israel launched a massive military offensive in response, which has killed 51,240 Palestinians - mainly civilians - according to figures released by Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry.

The number of children who have been killed in Gaza is disputed. International journalists including the BBC are blocked by Israel from entering Gaza independently so are unable to independently verify figures.

Speaking to Irish broadcaster RTÉ , Kneecap's manager said: "If somebody is hurt by the truth, that's something for them to be hurt by, but it's really important to speak truth."

Daniel Lambert added: "Thankfully the lads are not afraid to do that."

He also said the band had received death threats following their performance at Coachella and described the threats as "too severe to get into".

In a statement to BBC News NI, the US State Department said when considering revocations, they look at information that "may indicate a potential visa ineligibility under US immigration laws, pose a threat to public safety, or other situations where revocation is warranted".

The band are set to play a number of shows in the US and Canada in coming months.

On Tuesday, Osbourne claimed on social media the band's actions included "projections of anti-Israel messages and hate speech".

"This band openly support terrorist organizations," she added.

Ms Osbourne was also critical of the organisers of the festival, Goldenvoice, a subsidiary of Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG).

"Reports indicate that Goldenvoice was unaware of Kneecap's political intentions when they were booked," Osbourne said.

"However, after witnessing their performance during the first weekend, allowing them to perform again the following weekend suggests support of their rhetoric and a lack of due diligence," she continued.

"This behaviour raises concerns about the appropriateness of their participation in such a festival and further shows they are booked to play in the USA," Osbourne said.

"I know for a fact that certain people in the industry had written to Goldenvoice, airing their concerns around the booking of Kneecap," she said.

Osbourne is the wife of Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne, and a former judge of TV talent shows The X-Factor and America's Got Talent.

She also managed her husband's solo career.

Osbourne finished her post by saying: "As someone of both Irish Catholic on my mother's side and Ashkenazi Jewish heritage on her father's side and extensive experience in the music industry, I understand the complexities involved.

"I urge you to join me in advocating for the revocation of Kneecap's work visa."

The festival organisers have been approached for comment.

Warning: This article features language that some readers may find offensive

At the end of their set at the second weekend of Coachella, which was not streamed on the festival's official YouTube page, Kneecap projected three screens of text.

The first message said: "Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people," followed by: "It is being enabled by the US government who arm and fund Israel despite their war crimes," and a final screen added: "[Expletive] Israel. Free Palestine."

During the performance, band member Mo Chara said: "The Irish not so long ago were persecuted at the hands of the Brits, but we were never bombed from the... skies with nowhere to go.

"The Palestinians have nowhere to go."

The band also led the audience in chants of: "Free, free Palestine".

On 11 April, during Kneecap's first Coachella performance, the group faced criticism after leading an anti-Margaret Thatcher chant - which was subsequently omitted from the festival's livestream - along with calls for a united Ireland.

A US State Department spokesperson said: "Due to privacy and other considerations, and visa confidentiality, we generally will not comment on department actions with respect to specific cases."

They said the Trump administration "is focused on protecting our nation and our citizens by upholding the highest standards of national security and public safety through our visa process".

"When considering revocations, the department looks at information that arises after the visa was issued that may indicate a potential visa ineligibility under US immigration laws, pose a threat to public safety, or other situations where revocation is warranted," they added.

"This can include everything from arrests, criminal convictions, and engaging in conduct that is inconsistent with the visa classification, to an overstay."