Following widespread controversy for their statements in support of the people of Palestine at their Coachella performance last Friday (April 18), Irish rap trio Kneecap have today released an official statement on social media.
“Since our statements at Coachella – exposing the ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people – we have faced a coordinated smear campaign,” the post began. “The reason Kneecap is being targeted is simple – we are telling the truth and our audience is growing. Those attacking us want to silence criticism of a mass slaughter. They weaponise false accusations of antisemitism to distract, confuse and provide cover for genocide.”
The post continued: “No media spin will change this. Our only concern is the Palestinian people. The 20,000 murdered children and counting. The young people at our gigs see through the lies. They stand on the side of humanity and justice. And that gives us great hope.”
Kneecap’s post concluded with an excerpt of their manager speaking to Irish radio station RTÉ. “If someone is hurt by the truth, then that’s for them to be hurt by,” he told the station. “But it’s really important to speak the truth, and, thankfully, the lads aren’t afraid to do that.”
During their Coachella show, Kneecap projected the words “Fuck Israel, free Palestine” on a screen behind them as they led a chant in support of the people of Palestine. The statement was cut from the official Coachella live broadcast, and received significant criticism in the days following, including a call from television personality Sharon Osbourne to withdraw their US visas.
Responding to Osbourne earlier this week, Kneecap rapper Mo Chara told Rolling Stone that Osbourne’s “rant has so many holes in it that it hardly warrants a reply but she should listen to ‘War Pigs’ that was written by Black Sabbath (her husband).” “War Pigs” was written by Sharon’s husband Ozzy Osbourne and criticises warmongering by politicians.
Elsewhere, a separate 2024 Kneecap performance at London’s O2 Kentish Town was referred to UK counter terror police this week for the statements they allegedly made in support of Hamas and Hezbollah.