Irish rap trio Kneecap have been banned from entering Hungary for three years, just weeks before they were due to perform at the country’s flagship music event, Sziget Festival.
The Hungarian government issued the ban this week, citing “anti-Semitism” and “glorifying terror.” In a statement posted to social media, Secretary of State Zoltán Kovács said the group posed “a national security threat” and confirmed that any attempt to enter the country would lead to expulsion under international law.
Sziget organisers say the move is “unprecedented, unnecessary and regrettable,” adding that the band had previously assured them their set would not breach Hungarian law or the festival’s code of conduct. The festival issued a formal statement defending Kneecap’s right to free artistic expression, while reaffirming its opposition to hate speech.
Kneecap’s exclusion comes in the wake of an ongoing controversy involving member Mo Chara, who is facing court after allegedly shouting “Up Hamas, up Hezbollah” and displaying a Hezbollah flag during a show in Belfast. The group have denied any allegations of anti-Semitism and have publicly condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza, accusing their critics of “weaponising false accusations” to suppress dissent.
They have since been dropped from several major festival lineups across Europe, including TRNSMT, Hurricane, Southside, and the Eden Project.
In response to the Hungarian ban, the band said they would “continue to fight” and accused authorities of “state intimidation.”
Kneecap have built a reputation for merging political protest with chaotic, high-energy live sets. Their appearances at Glastonbury and Coachella this year drew widespread attention for their blunt criticism of Israel’s war in Gaza.
Despite the controversy, their upcoming international dates remain intact for now, though that could change if other governments follow Hungary’s lead.
Sziget Festival, which runs from August 6–11 in Budapest, will go ahead without the trio. Headliners include Charli XCX, A$AP Rocky, Post Malone and Shawn Mendes.
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