Sharon Osbourne calls for Kneecap to lose US work visas after Israel remarks
Former music manager Sharon Osbourne has called for Belfast rap trio Kneecap to lose their US work visas after their set at Coachella featured projections of text reading "F**k Israel Free Palestine."
The text also read: "Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people. It is being enabled by the US Government who arm and fund Israel despite their war crimes."
Advertisement
Kneecap were not alone in criticising Israel's war in Gaza during the Coachella music festival in California.
Headliners Green Day changed the lyrics of Jesus of Suburbia to "Runnin' away from pain, like the kids from Palestine" while British punk duo Bob Vylan displayed a Palestinian flag during their set.
In a post on Instagram, Ms Osbourne said Coachella 2025 will be remembered as a festival which compromised its moral and spiritual integrity.
"Kneecap, an Irish rap group, took their performance to a different level by incorporating aggressive political statements.
Advertisement
"Their actions included projections of anti-Israel messages and hate speech, and this band openly support terrorist organizations.
"This behavior raises concerns about the appropriateness of their participation in such a festival and further shows they are booked to play in the USA.
"Reports indicate that Goldenvoice (the festival organiser) was unaware of Kneecap's political intentions when they were booked.
"However, after witnessing their performance during the first weekend, allowing them to perform again the following weekend suggests support of their rhetoric and a lack of due diligence.'
Advertisement
Ms Osbourne said the Independent Artists Group, which represents Kneecap, includes individuals of Jewish heritage.
"It is disheartening that they have not used their positions to prevent the promotion of such controversial messages.
"As someone with both Irish Catholic on my mother's side and Ashkenazi Jewish heritage on my father's side, and extensive experience in the music industry. I understand the complexities involved. I urge you to join me in advocating for the revocation of Kneecap's work visa."
Entertainment
Elton John praises Irish band Kneecap for being 'p...
Read More
Meanwhile, Kneecap claimed their pro-Palestine messages were cut from their Coachella set in the first weekend of the festival.
They said on social media that the projections during their second weekend set were supposed to have also been displayed during their weekend one set as well.
"But our messaging on the US backed genocide in Gaza somehow never appeared on screens," the group said.
Reacting on X to a Variety story which had the headline 'Irish Rap Group Kneecap Projects Aggressive Pro Palestine, Anti Israel Messages During Coachella Sets' they said : "Honesty isn't aggressive — f***ing bombs are."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Sharon Osbourne AXES rock band from husband Ozzy's huge farewell gig and takes furious swipe
SHARON Osbourne has claimed she's axed a rock band from husband Ozzy's epic final farewell concerts. Rocker Ozzy will be taking to the stage alongside his legendary band Black Sabbath one last time for the Back to the Beginning concerts at Birmingham 's Villa Park. 4 But there already appears to be some backstage drama with Sharon claiming to have axed one band from the line-up after a furious bust-up with their manager. In an interview with Metal Hammer, Sharon claims she had the unnamed group removed from the jam-packed supporting line-up for the gig which includes bands such as Metallica and Slayer. Sharon took aim at the unidentified music manager and told the publication: 'I had a huge, huge to-do with a manager over this celebration for Ozzy and Sabbath. "And it was probably the worst way I've felt in years. "I don't care what this person says about me, thinks about it, because he doesn't know me. "He's now going around making up bulls*** lies because I threw his band off the bill. "I don't care what people say. Because do you know what? I don't love them." Sharon then added: "I care about people who love me, what they say about me. "You can't care what an industry says, because you don't love them, so how can it hurt you? It doesn't.' Although Sharon did not names, some fans speculated that she could have been referring to rock band, Tool. Black Sabbath play 'Paranoid' before bowing out of music for good The band were originally lined up to play but soon disappeared from the official announcement. Despite this, it has been confirmed the band will still be playing at the event and as such casting doubt on such speculation. Elsewhere, Sharon spoke to the publication about the perception that people are often scared of her. The former The X Factor star said: 'Yeah, I think that a lot of people are [scared of me]. Because the thing is, I'll tell on you. "Things that you've done, things that I know about you, if you rattle my cage, I will tell. I don't give a s***. "You look at the billionaires in the world today, how dangerous they all are because they're all power hungry. "And I've never wanted that. "But if you f*** with me, I'll tell on you.' 4
Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Love Island viewers threaten Ofcom complaints after very awkward scene
One Love Island couple has shocked viewers by getting down to business and locking lips on their first day as a pair on the ITV2 reality show after fears that a bombshell would split them up Love Island fans were left reeling just one day into the new series as one couple locked lips. Tensions reached a boiling point today as Shakira set her sights on finding a new connection after American bombshell Antonia stole her man. With the fear of being dumped from the island hanging over her, Shakira made it her mission to speak to as many of the boys as possible - but her female co-stars were not impressed. Meg seemed to be the most rattled after spotting her partner Dejon deep in conversation with Shakira, and nervously told the other girls: "I don't have my man, Dejon's gone – that's it!" However, the personal trainer was quick to reassure Meg that she is his favourite person in the villa, adding "You haven't got anything to worry about". Although Meg got the encouragement she needed, her counterpart Megan soon felt the pains of being on the chopping block as Shakira pulled Tommy for a chat by the pool. As things started to get more flirty between Shakira and Tommy, Megan decided she needed to make a bold move. She told the other girls: "I think I need to lipse him." Her friends were quick to egg her on, encouraging the Irish girl to lock her relationship down. Megan interrupted Tommy and Shakira's conversation, taking her man to the terrace where she admitted: "That made me a little bit jealous." One thing led to another, and Megan ended up claiming her man with a passionate kiss, much to the excitement of the Islanders down below who cheered them on. Viewers were shocked to see the stars getting physical so quickly, and took to X to share their thoughts on the scene, with one saying: "The kiss was way too soon." Another agreed: "Getting jealous and literally doing a forced kiss over someone you've known less than 24 hours is beyond unhinged." Some fans even declared they were going to make an official complaint to media watchdogs about the incident, with one saying: "Naa I'm submitting an Ofcom complaint, that kiss was too cringe, made me feel mad uncomfortable." Before coming on the ITV2 show, Megan revealed that she isn't fussy about a man's looks, saying she doesn't mind someone who is "scrawny" or has "a bit of a dad bod". Despite her easy-going nature when it comes to outward appearances, it seems that once another woman is becoming a threat to her love life, she has what it takes to go in for the kill. Meanwhile, Tommy came across as a down-to-earth lad, who admitted he has been knocked back a few times once girls heard what he did for a job. The landscape gardener said he wants a girlfriend who is caring and most importantly, doesn't take herself too seriously. He laughed: "I don't know if that's asking for too much, but I want a bit of everything. I haven't got a specific type in terms of looks, though."
Powys County Times
3 hours ago
- Powys County Times
MPs call for UK to recognise Palestine after Government sanctions ministers
MPs have called for the Government to recognise the state of Palestine at a summit next week, hours after the Foreign Secretary confirmed the sanctioning of two Israeli government ministers. Foreign minister Hamish Falconer faced repeated cross-party calls from MPs to recognise Palestine at the meeting in New York. In response, Mr Falconer did not rule out the move, saying he had 'no doubt' he would return to the Commons to update MPs. It came as the UK imposed an asset freeze and travel ban on Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, Israel's security minister and finance minister, respectively. The move came alongside Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Norway. When asked about the recognition of Palestine by Liberal Democrat foreign spokesperson Calum Miller, Mr Falconer said: 'The two-state solution conference next week is an important moment we're discussing with our friends and allies our approach to that conference and no-doubt I will return to this house, with your permission Mr Speaker, to discuss further.' Mr Miller had said: 'The time has also come to listen to members on all sides of this House and officially to recognise the independent state of Palestine. Will the Government commit to taking this vital step at next week's summit in New York? 'Recognition will demonstrate the UK's commitment to self-determination but also make clear that, building on today's announcement, the UK will do all it can to wrest control away from the extremes and give both Israelis and Palestinians hope of a lasting peace.' Conservative MP for Herne Bay and Sandwich, Sir Roger Gale, had chastised the Government for not taking more action. He said: 'When the minister came to the despatch box, I had expected to hear something constructive. What we've heard is the sanctioning of two people. The United Kingdom Government could unilaterally recognise Palestine. The United Kingdom Government could show the world and lead.' He added: 'When is the Government going to do something?' Labour MP Abtisam Mohamed (Sheffield Central), who was denied access to the occupied West Bank earlier this year, agreed with the calls. She said: 'Annexation is real. It is happening. Partners in the region are calling for recognition before it's too late.' Ms Mohamed continued: 'Does the minister agree with me that we must not throw recognition into the long grass? That failure to recognise next week at the UN conference implies that Israel does have a veto, and that the Israeli government will continue to annexe and terrorise Palestinians in the West Bank. If we do not recognise now, there will be no Palestinian state to recognise.' Mr Falconer said: 'Recognition is right at the centre of any discussion of a two-state solution.' The minister had earlier told MPs the two-state solution between Israel and Palestine was in critical danger. He said the rhetoric of Mr Ben-Gvir and Mr Smotrich did not represent the majority of Israelis. He said: 'This is an affront to the rights of Palestinians, but it is also against the interests of Israelis, against their long-term security and democracy.' Later in the session, Green Party MP Ellie Chowns (North Herefordshire) accused the Government of doing the 'bare minimum' while Conservative former minister Kit Malthouse further pressed the minister on whether recognition at the summit is now 'off the table'. Mr Falconer said 'we are doing everything we can', adding: 'We are so incredibly frustrated by the scenes that meet us, meet everybody behind me, and I would say gently to (Mr Malthouse), he has no monopoly on the morality of this situation.' The minister went on to say settler expansion had increased hugely in recent years, and last year had seen the worst settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank on record. He added that this year is on track to be just as violent. 'This is an attempt to entrench a one-state reality,' he told MPs. He continued: 'The gravity of this situation demands further action. The reality is that these human rights abuses, incitement to violence, extremist rhetoric comes … from individuals who are ministers in this Israeli government.' Mr Falconer added: 'We have told the Israeli government that we would take tougher action if this did not stop. It still did not. The appalling rhetoric has continued unchanged. Violent perpetrators continue to act with impunity and with encouragement. 'So, let me tell the House now, when we say something, we mean it. Today we have shown, with our partners, two extremists we will not stand by while they wreck the prospects for future peace.' Shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel said: 'The situation in the Middle East and the suffering we are seeing is serious and completely intolerable. Dame Priti added: 'We all want to see a better future for the Israeli and Palestinian people, and the UK must continue to play a leading role in achieving this.' She told MPs the previous Conservative government considered sanctioning the two ministers. 'The minister will be aware that the sanctioning of individuals is always under review, that is the right policy,' she said. 'And in the case of Israel, this has been previously considered even by Lord Cameron, who has spoken of that in the last government.' DUP MP Sammy Wilson (East Antrim) suggested Mr Falconer is 'pandering to the increasingly loud anti-Israel voices on his backbenches', adding: 'The minister must know that this will not bring peace to Gaza.' Mr Falconer replied: 'I have spoken about the perilous decline of the situation in the West Bank, and indeed events of the last two weeks, and I've also spoken about the importance of co-ordinating with allies. So, I don't think I have anything further to say.'
