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Extra.ie
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Sarah McInerney repsonds to backlash after Kneecap interview
Sarah McInerney has responded to criticism following her interview with Kneecap's management following their controversial Coachella gigs. The Belfast trio made headlines in recent weeks following their gigs at the Californian music festival, with the live-stream of their first gig cut after an anti-Margaret Thatcher chant began. Taking to the stage for a second weekend, the rappers were surrounded by screens projecting references to genocide, denunciations of Israel and calls to 'Free Palestine.' The Belfast trio made headlines in recent weeks following their gigs at the Californian music festival, with the live-stream of their first gig cut after an anti-Margaret Thatcher chant began. Pic: Brian Lawless/PA Wire Amongst those put out by Kneecap's gigs was Sharon Osbourne who called on the band's US work visas to be revoked as she claimed they 'openly support terrorist organisations.' During the week, Kneecap's manager Daniel Lambert defended the trio on RTÉ Radio 1's Drivetime, noting 'somewhere between 50 to 100,000 people have been murdered.' 'If somebody is offended by what were factual images, and you know, if somebody is hurt by the truth, that's something for them to be hurt by but it's really important to speak the truth.' Amongst those put out by Kneecap's gigs was Sharon Osbourne who called on the band's US work visas to be revoked as she claimed they 'openly support terrorist organisations.' Pic: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock A clip was shared to the Radio 1 social media with many taking to the comments hitting out at Sarah's line of questioning in the interview. One branded it 'cringeworthy journalism' as they noted the Galway woman was 'capable of doing better.' Another added that it was a 'very poor line of questioning' from the journalist, while a third wrote that she 'embarrassed herself.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by RTÉ Radio 1 (@rteradio1) Responding to the backlash, Sarah took to social media to share a short video explaining that RTÉ is 'bound to represent a wide variety of views.' She said: 'Hi folks, a lot of people in touch about the interview I did earlier in the week with Kneecap and quite a few people asking why it was that I gave the Israeli government's point of view when Kneecap criticised what Israel is doing in Gaza. 'The simple answer is RTÉ is bound by Coimisiún na Meán guidelines and that says that a presenter should represent a wide variety of views on a subject that is being discussed and also represent the views of those who cannot or refuse to be present.' She attached a screenshot of the guidelines, reiterating that that was the 'answer' surrounding the provision of the Israeli perspective. The explanation wasn't accepted by many who hit out at Sarah for following RTÉ's guidelines, with one writing: 'Well then it's time to ask yourself, are you a journalist or a script reader?' Another added: 'With respect, there is also an obligation to place greater emphasis on the facts, not the narrative and to centre the discussion on the facts and what international experts are saying and have been saying for 18 months.' A third commented: 'So why don't you cover Russia/Ukraine war the same way?'
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Irish band feuds with Sharon Osbourne, denies anti-Israel speech is ‘aggressive'
Irish hip-hop group Kneecap doubled down on its criticism of Israel after being called out by TV personality Sharon Osbourne. Irish hip-hop group Kneecap made calls to "free Palestine" and "F--- Israel" during a set last Friday at the Coachella music festival. They also made references to genocide and condemned the U.S. military for its support of Israel, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Kneecap also claimed last week that they were censored after pushing anti-Margaret Thatcher chants and other anti-Israel sentiments during their first show, which was reportedly cut off before their set ended. They proceeded to double down on the same type of political rhetoric. GREEN DAY CALLS VICE PRESIDENT VANCE SLUR IN REWORK OF BAND'S 2000s-ERA SONG Osbourne, the wife of rock star Ozzy Osbourne, condemned the band and the festival that platformed them in a lengthy social media post. "Kneecap, an Irish rap group, took their performance to a different level by incorporating aggressive political statements," she said in part of a longer post on X. "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." Read On The Fox News App She concluded her lengthy post by declaring, "I urge you to join me in advocating for the revocation of Kneecap's work visa." When BBC News NI reached out to the band about Osbourne's statements, Kneecap replied, "Statements aren't aggressive, murdering 20,000 children is though." Bernie Sanders Takes Coachella Stage To Rail Against Trump, 'Billionaire Class' At High-dollar Music Festival Kneecap's manager, Daniel Lambert, spoke to Irish broadcaster RTÉ about the controversy as well, arguing, "If somebody is hurt by the truth, that's something for them to be hurt by, but it's really important to speak truth. Thankfully the lads are not afraid to do that." Lambert also claimed that the band has received death threats after the Coachella performance, but said they are "too severe to get into." Kneecap also responded to the backlash they have received via their band's account on X. "Since our statements at Coachella — exposing the ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people — we have faced a coordinated smear campaign," the band claimed. "For over a year, we have used our shows to call out the British and Irish governments' complicity in war crimes. The recent attacks against us, largely emanating from the US, are based on deliberate distortions and falsehoods. We are taking action against several of these malicious efforts. Let us be absolutely clear. The reason Kneecap is being targeted is simple — we are telling the truth, and our audience is growing." The band went on to claim, "Those attacking us want to silence criticism of a mass slaughter. They weaponize false accusations of antisemitism to distract, confuse, and provide cover for genocide. We do not give a f*ck what religion anyone practices. We know there are massive numbers of Jewish people outraged by this genocide just as we are. What we care about is that governments of the countries we perform in are enabling some of the most horrific crimes of our lifetimes — and we will not stay silent. 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." Fox News Digital reached out to the management of Kneecap, Coachella, and Coachella festival organizer Goldenvoice and did not receive immediate article source: Irish band feuds with Sharon Osbourne, denies anti-Israel speech is 'aggressive'
New York Post
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Irish band Kneecap doubles down in response to Sharon Osbourne's call to pull visas after anti-Israel Coachella performance
Irish hip-hop group Kneecap doubled down on its criticism of Israel after being called out by TV personality Sharon Osbourne. Irish hip-hop group Kneecap made calls to 'free Palestine' and 'F—k Israel' during a set last Friday at the Coachella music festival. They also made references to genocide and condemned the US military for its support of Israel, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Advertisement Kneecap also claimed last week that they were censored after pushing anti-Margaret Thatcher chants and other anti-Israel sentiments during their first show, which was reportedly cut off before their set ended. They proceeded to double down on the same type of political rhetoric. Osbourne, the wife of rock star Ozzy Osbourne, condemned the band and the festival that platformed them in a lengthy social media post. 'Kneecap, an Irish rap group, took their performance to a different level by incorporating aggressive political statements,' she said in part of a longer post on X. '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.' She concluded her lengthy post by declaring, 'I urge you to join me in advocating for the revocation of Kneecap's work visa.' Advertisement 3 Moglai Bap from the Irish band Kneecap performing at Coachella on April 11, 2025. Photo by VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images 3 Kneecap had a sign that read 'F—k Israel' and 'Free Palestine' during their Coachella show. X/KNEECAP When BBC News NI reached out to the band about Osbourne's statements, Kneecap replied, 'Statements aren't aggressive, murdering 20,000 children is though.' Kneecap's manager, Daniel Lambert, spoke to Irish broadcaster RTÉ about the controversy as well, arguing, 'If somebody is hurt by the truth, that's something for them to be hurt by, but it's really important to speak truth. Thankfully the lads are not afraid to do that.' Advertisement Lambert also claimed that the band has received death threats after the Coachella performance, but said they are 'too severe to get into.' 3 TV personality Sharon Osbourne called on Kneecap's work visas to be canceled because of their anti-Israel protest. Photo byFox News Digital reached out to the management of Kneecap, Coachella, and Coachella festival organizer Goldenvoice and did not receive immediate reply. Fox News' Joshua Q. Nelson contributed to this report.
Irish Daily Star
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Star
Kneecap hit back at Sharon Osbourne and say 'statements aren't aggressive' after US visa threat
The Belfast rap crew Kneecap has clapped back at demands for the US to pull their visas following their charged Coachella gig, where they finished with a pro-Palestinian message . On her social channels, TV star and music manager Sharon Osbourne called out the hip-hop group , saying they "took their performance to a different level by incorporating aggressive political statements." Kneecap fired back: "Statements aren't aggressive, murdering 20,000 children is though. "If somebody is hurt by the truth, that's something for them to be hurt by, but it's really important to speak truth," Kneecap's manager Daniel Lambert said to the RTE . Lambert stood by the group, saying: "Thankfully the lads are not afraid to do that." He also relayed that the band faced death threats post-Coachella, calling the severity of these threats "too severe to get into." Read More Related Articles Jenna Bush Hager announces major career move in heartfelt statement Read More Related Articles Yellowstone star Kelly Reilly moves on from Kevin Costner series in new detective drama The US State Department spokesperson explained to BBC News NI that visa cancellations are considered when facts "may indicate a potential visa ineligibility under US immigration laws, pose a threat to public safety, or other situations where revocation is warranted." Sharon Osbourne demands that the US revoke Kneecap's visa (Image: Getty Images) In a Tuesday post on her platforms, Osbourne slammed the group for displaying "projections of anti-Israel messages and hate speech" during their set, accusing them of roaring support for "terrorist organizations." Osbourne slammed the festival organizers, Goldenvoice, a branch of Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG), for their handling of the situation. "Reports indicate that Goldenvoice 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," Osbourne remarked. During their initial Coachella gig on April 11, Kneecap stirred controversy by initiating an anti-Margaret Thatcher chant - which was later excluded from the festival's livestream - along with calls for Irish unification. In their second weekend set at Coachella, which wasn't broadcasted on the official YouTube channel of the festival, Kneecap displayed three provocative messages. The first declared: "Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people," followed by: "It is being enabled by the US government who arm and fund Israel despite their war crimes," and the last message boldly stated: "[Expletive] Israel. Free Palestine." During the act, band member Mo Chara commented: "The Irish not so long ago were persecuted at the hands of the Brits, but we were never bombed from the... skies with nowhere to Palestinians have nowhere to go." The group also incited the crowd with chants of: "Free, free Palestine." Osbourne stated that she has concerns regarding Kneecap's involvement in the US festival, particularly with their upcoming performance. "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," she said, and "I know for a fact that certain people in the industry had written to Goldenvoice, airing their concerns around the booking of Kneecap." She then asked her followers to request that the group's US work visas be revoked. The representative from the US State Department declined to comment on the group's visa process, citing that "due to privacy and other considerations, and visa confidentiality, we generally will not comment on department actions with respect to specific cases." For all the latest news straight to your inbox, sign up for our FREE newsletters here . For the latest local news and features on Irish America, visit our homepage here .
Extra.ie
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Sharon Osbourne calls on Kneecap's US work visas to be revoked
Sharon Osborne has called on the revoking of Irish band Kneecap's US work visas after she claimed the band 'openly support terrorist organisations.' The trio made headlines in recent weeks following their gigs at the Coachella festival in Palm Springs, California. Kneecap's first appearance of the festival last weekend saw the live-stream cut out after an anti-Margaret Thatcher chant began. Kneecap headlines in recent weeks following their gigs at the two weeks of Coachella festival in Palm Springs, California. Pic:for Coachella Taking to the stage for a second weekend, screens surrounded the band projecting references to genocide, denunciations of Israel and calls to 'Free Palestine.' They also condemned the US military for aiding Israel. The production has been met with much negativity with former X Factor judge and talent manager Sharon taking to Instagram hitting out at the Belfast three-piece. The 72-year-old hit out at Coachella for 'compromising its moral and spiritual integrity' by allowing artists to use the stage as a platform for political expression. She added that the Irish rap group 'took their performance to a different level' by their incorporation of 'aggressive political statements.' 'Their actions included projections of anti-Israel messages and hate speech, and this band openly support terrorist organisations,' Sharon wrote, '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.' Osbourne went on to hit out at festival organisers Goldenvoice, who allege they were 'unaware' of the band's political intentions. '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,' she slammed. Sharon Osborne has called on the revoking of Irish band Kneecap's US work visas after she claimed the band 'openly support terrorist organisations.' Pic: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock The mother-of-three said it was 'disheartening' that the Independent Artists Group, who represent Kneecap, haven't prevented the promotion of 'such controversial messages.' Sharon concluded: 'As someone with both Irish Catholic on my Mothers side and Ashkenazi Jewish heritage on my Fathers 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 Kneeecap's work visa.' The post was met with a huge reaction with many hitting out at the former talent manager and leaving comments of 'Free Palestine.' One said: 'This is not about Hamas, Sharon. It's about innocent lives!!!' Another added: 'Oh Sharon, how disappointing. Free Palestine.' A third commented: 'Thank you, Sharon. Where do we sign up?'
