The controversy surrounding Kneecap has taken yet another turn. A second video from one of their gigs now under investigation by UK counter-terrorism police.
The footage, reportedly from a November 2023 show, allegedly shows a member of the Irish rap trio telling the crowd: “The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.” It follows an earlier incident from Kneecap’s November 2024 London show, where footage appeared to show the group shouting “up Hamas, up Hezbollah” and displaying a Hezbollah flag on stage.
Both Hamas and Hezbollah are proscribed organisations under UK law, with it being an offence to “invite support” under the Terrorism Act 2000.
The Metropolitan Police have since confirmed they were made aware of the November 2024 video last week, and the older November 2023 footage has now also been referred to the counter-terrorism internet referral unit for assessment. No charges or formal investigation have yet been announced.
The new development comes after an already explosive month for Kneecap, following their politically charged Coachella sets. Across two weekends, they projected pro-Palestine slogans behind them and led chants critical of the British government and Israel. The first weekend’s livestream was cut midway through, prompting the band to bring their own camera crew for the second.
The fallout has been extensive. Sharon Osbourne publicly called for the revocation of their US work visas. Coachella organisers said they were “blindsided”. Conservative politicians in the UK, including Kemi Badenoch, renewed criticism of Kneecap’s previously awarded government funding.
In response, Kneecap and their manager Daniel Lambert have condemned what they call a “coordinated smear campaign.” Lambert furthered saying the groups criticisms are directed at governments, not civilians. Lambert confirmed the band have received death threats in the aftermath.
Kneecap have consistently used their platform to speak on Palestine, Irish politics, and wider issues of oppression. Their recent statement doubled down, saying: “We will not stay silent. No media spin will change this.”
The band are currently securing a new US visa sponsor after being dropped by their former booking agent, Independent Artist Group.
At the time of writing, no further action regarding either video has been confirmed.
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