Kneecap Under Counter-Terrorism Investigation Over Gig Videos Promoting Violence
British counter-terrorism police have launched an investigation into Irish rap group Kneecap after videos emerged of the trio making incendiary comments during live performances, including statements supporting banned terrorist organizations and calling for violence against politicians.
Footage from two separate concerts in London — one from November 2023 — is now under scrutiny. In one clip, a band member can be heard shouting: “The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.” In another, chants of “Up Hamas, up Hezbollah” are heard. Both Hamas and Hezbollah are proscribed terrorist groups in the UK, and it is a criminal offence to promote or support them.
Following complaints, the videos were referred to the UK’s Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit, which has since passed the case to the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command. Officers confirmed that there are sufficient grounds for a formal investigation into potential criminal offences.
Kneecap, known for their Irish-language rap and political provocations, have already faced fallout. Several shows have been cancelled and they were dropped by their booking agency, Independent Artist Group. The group’s recent set at Coachella, where they made pro-Palestinian statements, added to the backlash.
In response, Kneecap issued an apology to the families of murdered MPs Jo Cox and David Amess, stressing they never intended to incite violence and accusing critics of taking the clips out of context. “We reject any suggestion that we would ever encourage harm toward any MP or individual,” they said in a statement.
Despite mounting controversy, the group has received vocal support from fellow artists including Fontaines DC, Massive Attack, Pulp, Paul Weller, and Annie Mac. In a joint letter, they condemned what they called a “coordinated campaign” to censor and deplatform Kneecap, warning of the dangerous precedent it sets for artistic freedom.
Kneecap, comprising Mo Chara, DJ Próvaí, and Móglaí Bap, formed in 2017 and quickly gained notoriety for their rebellious lyrics and anti-establishment messaging. A semi-fictional film based on their rise — featuring actor Michael Fassbender — recently won a BAFTA.
However, with counter-terrorism officers now involved, the band’s future performances and freedom of expression face serious legal and political challenges.
