Irish Rap Group Kneecap Under Counter-Terrorism Investigation Over Controversial Statements
Metropolitan Police's counter-terrorism unit is investigating Irish rap group Kneecap over controversial statements made during performances. The investigation centers on videos showing the group expressing support for proscribed terrorist organizations and making potentially threatening comments about politicians.
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The investigation focuses on two specific incidents:
- A 2023 performance where the group allegedly stated "up Hamas, up Hezbollah"
- A 2024 London concert where a member reportedly said "The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP"
The Met's Counter Terrorism Command confirmed ongoing inquiries into potential offenses, though no arrests or charges have been made yet.
Consequences for the group include:
- Multiple concert cancellations in the UK and Europe
- Loss of US work visa after their booking agency (IAG) dropped them
- Calls from UK politicians to remove them from festival lineups, including Glastonbury
Kneecap has denied supporting terrorist organizations and claims their comments were misrepresented. They've issued apologies to the families of murdered MPs Jo Cox and David Amess, explicitly stating they don't endorse violence.
The controversy has sparked a broader debate about artistic freedom, with numerous artists and musicians signing open letters supporting the group's right to free speech.
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