Kneecap Under Fire: Controversy, Censorship, and the Clash Between Art and Politics

The Irish rap trio Kneecap is facing the cancellation of multiple shows in the wake of a mounting controversy over remarks made by a band member during a performance last year. With counter-terrorism authorities now assessing the footage and public outcry escalating, the debate surrounding freedom of artistic expression, censorship, and political sensitivity has once again taken centre stage.

At the core of the storm is a video from a 2023 performance in which a member of the group reportedly declared, “The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.” Since the emergence of this footage, which the band claims was taken out of context, the consequences have been swift and severe.

Three of the group’s upcoming concerts in Germany—Hamburg, Berlin, and Cologne have been cancelled. Earlier cancellations included slots at the Hurricane and Southside festivals, as well as a show at Cornwall’s Eden Project. These decisions appear to reflect rising pressure from both political figures and public institutions urging a clampdown on the group’s performances.

Political and Community Reactions

Tory MP Mark Francois was among the first UK politicians to speak out, calling for Kneecap to be barred from performing at this year’s Glastonbury Festival. The sentiment was echoed by the Board of Deputies of British Jews, who expressed “great concern” about the group’s rhetoric, which they argue could incite violence and offend public sensibilities, especially amid ongoing global tensions related to Israel and Palestine.

In response, Belfast City Councillor Jim Rodgers of the Ulster Unionist Party has called for a reconsideration of the band’s upcoming appearance in August at Boucher Playing Fields, Belfast. The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) has gone further, calling for an emergency city council meeting to block the show, citing “dangerous rhetoric” and the “glorification of terrorism.”

Kneecap Under Fire: Controversy, Censorship and the politics

The Band’s Defense: Censorship or Consequence?

Speaking on Ireland’s RTÉ Prime Time, Kneecap’s manager Daniel Lambert dismissed the backlash as a form of “moral hysteria,” arguing that the band is being held to a higher standard than many politicians. He suggested that the campaign to cancel their performances is “solely about de-platforming artists,” especially those speaking out on sensitive global issues like Palestine.

Lambert emphasized that the band’s appearance at the Coachella music festival in California, where they criticised Israel’s military action in Gaza as a “US-funded genocide,” marked a turning point in their public visibility—and, in turn, scrutiny. Following that performance, TV personality Sharon Osbourne publicly called for the group’s US work visas to be revoked.

Kneecap, for their part, argue that the controversial video clip is being manipulated to derail their message of solidarity with oppressed communities. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), they apologized to the families of murdered MPs Jo Cox and David Amess but claimed their words were not intended as literal incitement. “An extract of footage, deliberately taken out of all context, is now being exploited and weaponised,” the group said, adding that it was “a transparent effort to derail the real conversation.”

Brendan Cox, husband of the late Jo Cox, has since responded, calling for a “real apology” and stating that Kneecap’s message was insufficiently remorseful.

Artists Speak Out

The backlash hasn’t deterred Kneecap’s supporters. Prominent artists like Fontaines DC, Massive Attack, Bicep, Annie Mac, Pulp, Paul Weller, and Christy Moore have signed an open letter issued by the group’s label, Heavenly Recordings. The letter describes the situation as a “clear, concerted attempt to censor and ultimately deplatform” Kneecap.

“As artists, we feel the need to register our opposition to any political repression of artistic freedom,” the statement read. “In a democracy, no political figures or political parties should have the right to dictate who does and does not play at music festivals or gigs.”

This collective stance from high-profile musicians suggests a growing concern in the industry about how public pressure and political influence might curb freedom of expression.

A Pattern of Provocation

Since their formation in 2017, Kneecap—comprised of Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap, and DJ Próvaí—have walked a fine line between provocation and activism. Their lyrics often merge satire, political commentary, and unapologetic support for Irish identity and the Irish language.

Their notoriety has also translated to critical acclaim. A recent film inspired by their story, starring Michael Fassbender, won a British Academy of Film Award (BAFTA) in 2025, bringing even more mainstream attention to the trio.

Yet, as their popularity grows, so too does the scrutiny. Whether Kneecap is being unfairly targeted or rightly criticised remains a divisive issue. The unfolding situation raises urgent questions: Where does free speech end and incitement begin? And who decides?

For now, the rap trio remains uncharged and unapologetically defiant—backed by artists, challenged by politicians, and firmly in the global spotlight.