Kneecap threaten to sue critics as bid to ban TRNSMT act from performing Glasgow fails
Counter terrorism cops are also continuing to probe the band
'APOLOGISE NOW' Kneecap threaten to sue critics as bid to ban TRNSMT act from performing Glasgow fails
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KNEECAP has threatened to sue critics after a bid to ban the Irish rappers from the TRNSMT lineup failed.
It comes after the Belfast-based band faced backlash after videos emerged of the self-proclaimed "Fenians" urging fans to "kill your local MP" and chanting "The only good Tory is a dead Tory".
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Counter terrorism cops are continuing to probe the band
Credit: AFP
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The band are set to perform at TRNSMT in Glasgow this summer
Credit: Roddy Scott
The videos sparked outrage, with many calling for them to be axed from playing Glasgow's TRNSMT festival on July 11 and Glastonbury on June 27.
First Minister John Swinney was among those who backed these claims, saying it would be "unacceptable" for them to "perform on such a stage".
Counter terrorism cops are also continuing to probe Kneecap's Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí after another video of a member appearing to chant 'Up Hamas, up Hezbollah' surfaced at concerts in 2023 and 2024.
Such a direct and coordinated approach seeks to create a chilling effect upon the wider music industry whereby those who hold opposing views, will seek to impose their own view on the wider industry.
Phoenix Law on behalf of Kneecap
The Metropolitan Police has since confirmed a man was interviewed under caution at a station in Belfast on Sunday as part of the broader investigation into the band.
A spokesperson for the Met said: "The investigation is now being carried out by officers from the Met's Counter Terrorism Command.
"Police interviewed a man who voluntarily attended an interview under caution at a police station in Belfast on Sunday, 18 May. Enquiries remain ongoing."
A "private and confidential" email between music agents and Glastonbury bosses, pushing for Kneecap to be banned from the legendary festival, was allegedly leaked to the band.
According to the Daily Mail, Kneecap hit back at critics with a legal letter from Phoenix Law, slamming them for making "untrue and defamatory" claims.
It reads: "Your correspondence seeks to monopolise your status within the industry to impose direct and concerted pressure on Glastonbury, to restrict freedom of expression.
"Such a direct and coordinated approach seeks to create a chilling effect upon the wider music industry whereby those who hold opposing views, will seek to impose their own view on the wider industry."
Kneecap movie sets sights for Hollywood
The letter threatens to "commence high court civil proceedings for damages for the damage you have inflicted".
It adds: "However, before our clients formally seek to issue pre-action correspondence, we write to offer you the opportunity to resolve these matters by way of an immediate and unequivocal apology."
SNP councillors in Glasgow last week went against the First Minister's calls to pull Kneecap from TRNSMT.
At a debate on the war in Gaza, Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken said: "The UK is a state where MPs have been murdered in recent years. Words can and do matter.
"That, certainly not on the part of the SNP group, doesn't translate into support for a ban on them playing in Glasgow or indeed anywhere else.
"Or indeed does it take away from the point that the condemnation of Kneecap, particularly in the United States, much of it does appear to be driven by a wider dislike of their stances, not only their position in support of the Palestinian people but also their general stance of satirical provocation."
Kneecap has since issued an apology to the families of murdered MPs Sir David Amess, who was killed by an Islamic State fanatic in 2021, and Jo Cox, who was killed by far-right extremist Thomas Mair in 2016.
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