Kneecap to face no further action from police after Glastonbury performance
Avon and Somerset Police said it will be taking 'no further action' on the grounds that there is 'insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction for any offence'.
The investigation was announced in June after officers reviewed video footage and audio recordings from the sets of Kneecap and punk duo Bob Vylan at the Somerset festival.
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Metro
6 days ago
- Metro
Kneecap slam 'outrageous' ban ahead of major music festival
Kneecap has taken aim at the Hungarian government for its 'outrageous' decision to ban them from the country. In recent months the Belfast-based rap group – which consists of Liam Og O hAnnaidh, Naoise O Caireallain, and JJ O Dochartaigh – has come under the spotlight, notably for their vocal support of Palestine. Last month Og O hAnnaidh, who performs as Mo Chara, faced Westminster Magistrates' Court after being charged with a terror offence. The 27-year-old has been accused of displaying a flag representing Hezbollah, a proscribed organisation at a gig last November. He has denied the charges. Then after their Glastonbury performance, in which O Caireallain suggested fans 'start a riot' outside his bandmate's upcoming court appearance, Avon and Somerset Police launched a probe into their set. Although it was announced last week that police had dropped their investigation, the band are again facing another hurdle. Kneecap had been due to play at Sziget Festival in Budapest next month. But earlier today Hungarian government spokesperson Zoltan Kovacs revealed they'd been banned from the country for three years. He said that the decision was made due to Kneecap members 'repeatedly engage in antisemitic hate speech supporting terrorism and terrorist groups'. 'Hungary has zero tolerance for antisemitism in any form. 'Their planned performance posed a national security threat, and for this reason, the group has been formally banned from Hungary for three years. If they enter, expulsion will follow under international norms.' A few hours later the band released a statement condemning the move. 'To the tens of thousands of fans who we were buzzing to see in person at Sziget, we're sorry we won't be with you,' they began. 'The authoritarian government of Viktor Orban say we 'pose a national security threat'.' They went on to write that claim was 'f***ing outrageous', adding that the Prime Minister had 'welcomed wanted war criminal Benjamin Netanyahu like a hero just a few weeks ago'. 'There is no legal basis for his actions, no member of Kneecap has ever been convicted of any crime in any country. We stand against all hate crimes and Kneecap champions love and solidarity as well as calling out injustices when we see it,' they continued. 'It's clear this is political distraction and a further attempt to silence those who call out genocide against the Palestinian people. 'Much like the good people of Budapest, who defied their own President's ban on their 'Pride Parade' in June, we will fight for what is right.' Festival organisers said the decision was 'unnecessary and regrettable' and could serve to 'not only damage the reputation of Sziget, but also negatively affect Hungary's standing worldwide'. 'Sziget Festival's values mean we condemn hate speech, while guaranteeing the fundamental right to artistic freedom of expression for every performer,' they wrote in a statement. 'Cancel culture and cultural boycotts are not the solution.' Kneecap, who were scheduled to play a set at Sziget's closing day on August 11, have faced the cancellation of several of their shows in the past few months, including the TRNSMT festival in Glasgow, the Eden Project in Cornwall, and Germany's Hurricane Festival and Southside Festival. The band have repeatedly shut down claims they support Hamas and have denied accusations of anti-Semitism. More Trending '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,' they said. After the investigation into their Glastonbury set, Kneecap said they were being 'targeted' and faced 'state intimidation'. 'We will continue to fight. We will continue to win,' they added. Metro has contacted representatives for Kneecap for comment. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Bob Vylan singer supports Kneecap in first appearance since Glastonbury investigation MORE: Fontaines D.C. fan told to 'put Palestinian t-shirt in the bin' at London gig MORE: Kneecap lead 45,000-strong crowd in anti-Keir Starmer chants after launch of Glastonbury probe
The Independent
6 days ago
- The Independent
Kneecap describe decision to ban them from Hungary as ‘political distraction'
Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Irish rap group Kneecap said 'there is no legal basis' for Hungary banning the act from entering the country ahead of their scheduled appearance at a music festival. The trio, who are outspoken supporters of Palestine, were due to perform at Sziget Festival on August 11 and remain on the line-up on its website. Government spokesman Zoltan Kovacs wrote on social media platform X that the decision to ban Kneecap was because the group's 'members repeatedly engage in antisemitic hate speech supporting terrorism and terrorist groups'. But in a statement posted on Instagram, Kneecap described the decision to bar them from entry as 'political distraction' and pointed out that none of the group has any criminal convictions. A spokeswoman for Sziget Festival also described the move as 'unnecessary and regrettable'. 'Cancel culture and cultural boycotts are not the solution,' she added. The statement from Kneecap said: 'To the tens of thousands of fans who we were buzzing to see in person at Sziget, we're sorry we won't be with you. 'The authoritarian government of Viktor Orban say we 'pose a national security threat'. 'Which is f****** outrageous coming from a man who welcomed Netanyahu, a wanted war criminal, like a hero just a few weeks ago. 'There is no legal basis for his actions, no member of Kneecap has ever been convicted of any crime in any country. We stand against all hate crimes and Kneecap champions love and solidarity as well as calling out injustices whenever we see it. 'It's clear that this is political distraction and a further attempt to silence those who call out genocide against the Palestinian people.' Kneecap have had several shows cancelled in recent months, including TRNSMT festival in Glasgow and at the Eden Project in Cornwall. They claim this is part of a smear campaign against them because of their vocal support for Palestine and criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza, which they say is a genocide. The statement posted earlier on Thursday by Mr Kovacs said: 'Hungary has zero tolerance for antisemitism in any form. 'Their planned performance posed a national security threat, and for this reason, the group has been formally banned from Hungary for three years. 'If they enter, expulsion will follow under international norms.' The spokeswoman for Sziget Festival said: 'Following concerns raised by government and pressure groups across Hungary over the past weeks at the prospect of Kneecap performing, we have liaised closely with the band and they reassured us that their performance would not contravene either Sziget's values or Hungarian law. 'Over the past 30 years, Sziget has served as a free and safe place for different cultures, hosting artists and visitors from around the world, earning significant recognition in the international community and enhancing Hungary's reputation. 'We fear that the government's decision announced today to ban Kneecap may not only damage the reputation of Sziget, but also negatively affect Hungary's standing worldwide.' Kneecap – comprised of Liam Og O hAnnaidh, Naoise O Caireallain, and JJ O Dochartaigh – were formed in Belfast and released their first single in 2017. They hit the headlines recently after O hAnnaidh, who performs under the name Mo Chara, was charged with a terror offence relating to allegedly displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah. In May, the Metropolitan Police said the group were being investigated by counter-terrorism police after videos emerged allegedly showing them shouting 'Up Hamas, up Hezbollah' and 'Kill your local MP'. The group apologised to the families of murdered MPs and said they have 'never supported' Hamas or Hezbollah, which are banned in the UK. They were also investigated over their set at Glastonbury Festival in June, but last week Avon and Somerset Police confirmed they would be taking no further action.
The Guardian
6 days ago
- The Guardian
Kneecap banned from entering Hungary for three years for ‘supporting terrorism'
The Irish hip-hop band Kneecap have been banned from entering Hungary for three years ahead of their scheduled appearance at a music festival there. The group, who are outspoken supporters of Palestine, were due to perform at Sziget festival on 11 August. But the Hungarian government spokesperson Zoltán Kovács said it had been banned because its 'members repeatedly engage in antisemitic hate speech supporting terrorism and terrorist groups'. He said: 'Hungary has zero tolerance for antisemitism in any form. Their planned performance posed a national security threat and, for this reason, the group has been formally banned from Hungary for three years. If they enter, expulsion will follow under international norms.' Kneecap have had several shows cancelled in recent months, including TRNSMT festival in Glasgow and at the Eden Project in Cornwall. On Saturday, it emerged the group may be dropped from a Live From Wythenshawe Park lineup. They are due to support Fontaines D.C. at the Manchester concert in August. A source has suggested talks are in progress between Manchester city council, which runs the park, and the concert's promoter, over 'safety concerns'. The group have claimed the cancellations are part of a smear campaign against them because of their vocal support for Palestine and criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza, which they have described as genocide. Kneecap – comprised of Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, Naoise Ó Cairealláin, and JJ Ó Dochartaigh – were formed in Belfast and released their first single in 2017. O hAnnaidh, who performs under the name Mo Chara, was recently charged with a terror offence over allegations he displayed a flag in support of Hezbollah. In May, the Metropolitan police said the group were being investigated by counter-terrorism police after videos emerged allegedly showing them shouting 'Up Hamas, up Hezbollah' and 'Kill your local MP'. The group apologised to the families of murdered MPs and said they have 'never supported' Hamas or Hezbollah, which are banned in the UK. They were also investigated over their set at Glastonbury festival in June, but last week Avon and Somerset police confirmed they would be taking no further action.
