Kneecap have responded to Glastonbury ban calls from Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch with a fiery message and growing support from artists.
Kneecap have fired back at UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Conservative MP Kemi Badenoch following calls to have the Irish rap group banned from Glastonbury 2025.
The trio are scheduled to perform on the West Holts stage at 4pm on Saturday, June 28, but their inclusion in the line-up has sparked political backlash due to a recent terrorism charge against member Mo Chara.
Speaking to The Sun, Starmer said: “No, I don’t [think Kneecap should play], and I think we need to come down really clearly on this. This is about the threats that shouldn’t be made, I won’t say too much because there’s a court case on, but I don’t think that’s appropriate.”
Kneecap responded with a blunt reply posted to Instagram, sharing a screenshot of Starmer’s quote alongside the caption: “You know what’s ‘not appropriate’ Keir?! Arming a fucking genocide… Fuck The Sun and solidarity with [Palestinian Action].”
Mo Chara, real name Og O hAnnaidh, appeared in Westminster Magistrates Court on June 18 after being charged with a terror offence for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag during a London show last November. He was released on unconditional bail and denies any support for Hezbollah or Hamas.
Badenoch also criticised the band, tweeting that the BBC “should not be showing Kneecap propaganda” and claiming that the broadcaster was “rewarding extremism.”
Despite the pressure, both Glastonbury and the BBC plan to move forward with Kneecap’s scheduled set and coverage, though BBC programming may be edited to follow editorial guidelines.
Meanwhile, support for the band has poured in from artists and organisations including Johnny Marr, Fontaines D.C., Massive Attack, Tom Morello, Love Music Hate Racism, and Amyl & The Sniffers. At a recent protest outside Westminster Magistrates Court, Paul Weller was spotted in the crowd holding signs reading “Free Palestine” and “Free Mo Chara.”
Kneecap have denied wrongdoing, claiming the controversial footage has been taken out of context. They used their set at London’s Wide Awake festival earlier this month to speak out against attempts to silence them.
The group are set to support Fontaines D.C. at Finsbury Park this July and will headline their biggest England show to date at Wembley Arena in September.
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