Latest news with #ÓgÓhAnnaidh
Daily Mirror
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Kneecap slams they have 'enough s***' to worry about amid flag fallout
Kneecap have opened up on their thoughts about their controversial actions ahead of their upcoming Glastonbury set this weekend Irish rap trio Kneecap have hit out at the reaction to bandmember Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh allegedly displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at a gig last year. The musician appeared in court earlier this month, after being charged, with the band's scheduled appearance at Glastonbury put in doubt at the time. There were even calls from the Prime Minister for them to be booted off. However, with the set ready to still go ahead, the band have furiously hit out at the reaction to their actions. Kneecap, which is also made up of Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh, will still perform on the West Holts Stage on Saturday, and said they have "enough s*** to worry about" when it comes to the fallout from their actions. In a chat with the Guardian, Ó hAnnaidh was asked if he regretted the moment. However, he insisted it was a joke and he portrays a character. "S*** is thrown on stage all the time," he said. "If I'm supposed to know every f***ing thing that's thrown on stage [including the Hezbollah flag] I'd be in Mensa, Jesus Christ." He went on: "I don't know every proscribed organisation – I've got enough s*** to worry about up there. I'm thinking about my next lyric, my next joke, the next drop of a beat." And he also asked why he should regret his "dead Tory" comments. "It was a joke," he defiantly said. "we're playing characters, it's satirical, it's a f***ing joke." He went on to say the video "wasn't an issue" until the band's "Free Palestine" comment at Coachella. "The point is, and the context is, it all [resurfaced] because of Coachella. That's what we should be questioning, not whether I regret things," he said. In May, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, who uses the stage name Mo Chara, was charged over the alleged display of a flag in support of Hezbollah at a gig at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London last November. The band have strongly denied the charges brought against the star and released a statement to insist they will "vehemently defend" themselves against what they claimed was "political policing". The court heard the 27-year-old is "well within his rights" to voice his opinions on Israel and Palestine, but the alleged incident is a "wholly different thing". At the hearing, Prosecutor Michael Bisgrove said: "Of course, support for the one is not the same as support for the other. "So the issue in this case, and the reason it has come to court, it centres on the apparent support by Mr Óg Ó hAnnaidh of a proscribed terrorist organisation." Óg Ó hAnnaidh was released on unconditional bail until his next hearing at the same court on August 20. His release has allowed the band to play their controversial Glastonbury set. However, it's not thought that the set will be broadcast live on the BBC.
Daily Mirror
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Inside Kneecap's Glastonbury controversy as band will perform despite axe calls
Kneecap will perform at Glastonbury on Saturday afternoon as they brush off the controversy surrounding them being on the lineup and calls for them to be removed Irish rap trio Kneecap will be taking to the stage at Glastonbury for their highly anticipated set this weekend, despite multiple calls for them to be axed from the lineup. The group have defiantly said they will continue to perform amid the backlash against them. It comes after bandmember Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh was charged with allegedly displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at a gig last year. He appeared in court earlier this month, with the band's scheduled appearance at Glastonbury put in doubt and calls from the Prime Minister for them to be booted off. However, Kneecap, which is also made up of Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh, will still perform on the West Holts Stage on Saturday. Speaking at court, the band said: "For anybody going to Glastonbury, you can see us there at 4pm on Saturday. "If you can't be there we'll be on the BBC. Most importantly: free, free Palestine." Kneecap have dropped out of this year's TRNSMT Festival in Glasgow amid the controversy. In a statement on social media, Kneecap said: "'Due to concerns expressed by the Police about safety at the event, Kneecap can no longer perform at TRNSMT. To the thousands of people who bought tickets, flights and hotels to see us play, we are sorry... it is out of our hands." They continued: "Glasgow has always been a huge city for us. We've played there many many times, with no issues - ever. Make of that what you will. To try and make up for it, we will be at your O2 Academy on Tuesday July 8th." Arrest In May, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, who uses the stage name Mo Chara, was charged over the alleged display of a flag in support of Hezbollah at a gig at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London last November. The band strongly deny the charges brought against Óg Ó hAnnaidh and said in a lengthy statement that they will "vehemently defend" themselves against what they claimed was "political policing". The court heard the 27-year-old is "well within his rights" to voice his opinions on Israel and Palestine, but the alleged incident is a "wholly different thing". Prosecutor Michael Bisgrove said: "Of course, support for the one is not the same as support for the other. So the issue in this case, and the reason it has come to court, it centres on the apparent support by Mr Óg Ó hAnnaidh of a proscribed terrorist organisation." Óg Ó hAnnaidh was released on unconditional bail until his next hearing at the same court on August 20. Slot in doubt Just days after Liam was charged with a terror offence, the band performed at London's Wide Awake Festival. On stage, the group admitted their set very almost got cancelled at the last minute and revealed pressure was mounting on Glastonbury to pull their slot at Worthy Farm. Liam spoke of his arrest as he told the crowd: "I had an interview with counter terrorism and within a day they charged me. And the reason it was that quick was because Glastonbury is just around the corner, they're trying to silence us." "Glastonbury is just around the corner," the group stated before claiming "they're trying to stop" them doing a similar thing to what they did at Coachella. "F**k 'em," one of the trio said to a wild applause from the crowd. At Coachella, which is often dubbed the US version of Glastonbury, the band displayed banners that 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' and 'F*** Israel. Free Palestine'. Prime Minister's call Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for Kneecap to be pulled from the Glastonbury line-up. Starmer was asked by The Sun if he thinks Kneecap should perform at the annual festival. He said: "No, I don't. I think we need to come down really clearly on this. I won't say too much, because there's a court case on, but I don't think that's appropriate." Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch also said she thought the BBC "should not be showing" Kneecap's performance at the festival. Badenoch said in an X post: "The BBC should not be showing Kneecap propaganda. One Kneecap band member is currently on bail, charged under the Terrorism Act. As a publicly funded platform, the BBC should not be rewarding extremism." Kneecap replied to the Prime Minister's comments about them on social media, fuming: 'You know what's 'not appropriate' Keir?! Arming a f*****g genocide… solidarity with [Palestinian Action]." Petitions More than 30 "music industry individuals" are said to have signed a secret letter, calling on Kneecap's Glastonbury appearance to be pulled. DJ Toddla T claimed he had seen a 'private and confidential letter' signed by '30 individuals from within the music industry', who urged Glastonbury organisers to remove Kneecap. However, the band has received support from 100 other musicians including The Smiths' Johnny Marr who said he respects artists"who use their platform to speak out against injustice" and called for an "end to the atrocities and a free Palestine." He joins the likes of Fontaines D.C., Lankum, The Pogues, Paul Weller, Pulp, Primal Scream and Massive Attack in showing their support to Kneecap. Glastonbury organiser defends Kneecap Glastonbury boss Emily Eavis has broken her silence surrounding controversial Irish band Kneecap. The group from Belfast hit the headlines after making pro-Palestine comments at Coachella in April after band member, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, was charged with a terror offence for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at a London gig in November. Though Liam has been released on bail, Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, said it was "not appropriate" for the Guilty Conscience stars to perform at Glastonbury on the West Holts Stage at 4pm on Saturday. However, giving her opinion on the divisive band, Emily, said "everyone is welcome". Talking to the BBC as the festival flung open its doors to thousands of revellers today, she was asked: "You are very used to people picking over every aspect of the lineup but the Prime Minister got involved this time, saying it wasn't appropriate for Kneecap to be playing, how have you responded to that?" Emily replied: "We haven't responded to that. At the moment we're just focusing on bringing the best festival to the people who want to come here. We're incredibly lucky that so many people want to come to Glastonbury, we have millions of people who want to come." However, she was then probed: "But it's quite a thing for the Prime Minister to comment, how did you react? How did you feel?" Looking somewhat irritated, Emily said: "I know, it is, there have been a lot of really heated topics this year, but we remain a platform for many, many artists from all over the world and, you know, everyone is welcome here."
Daily Mirror
18-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
Kneecap get rockstar reception outside court as member faces terrorism charge
Kneecap's Liam Og O Hannaidh leaves Westminster Magistrates' Court in London, through a crowd of supporters after he appeared charged with a terrorism offence (Image: © 2025 PA Media, All Rights Reserved) Rap group Kneecap received a rapturous welcome outside court as a judge heard one of its members faces criminal charges for allegedly backing a banned terror group - not for his pro-Palestine views. Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, who performs as Mo Chara, and bandmates Naoise O Caireallain and J J O Dochartaigh were cheered by hundreds of supporters in "Free Mo Chara" T-shirts at Westminster Magistrates' Court. Dozens gathered at the court entrance as they arrived, with some trying to get close to the Belfast trio inside the lobby before the hearing. Óg Ó hAnnaidh was charged last month after allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag at a gig in November last year. Liam Og O hAnnaidh, who performs as Mo Chara, arriving at Westminster Magistrates' Court (Image: © 2025 PA Media, All Rights Reserved) READ MORE: Kneecap fans protest across London in support for group member due in court The court heard the 27 year old is "well within his rights" to voice his opinions on Israel and Palestine, but the alleged incident at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London, is a "wholly different thing". After the brief hearing, the defendant left the court to a festival-like atmosphere, with fans waving flags, playing drums and one supporter setting off a smoke canister. Prosecutor Michael Bisgrove summarised the allegations, saying: "It's not about Mr Óg Ó hAnnaidh's support for the people of Palestine or his criticism of Israel. "He's well within his rights to voice his opinions and solidarity, as is anybody else. The allegation in this case is a wholly different thing and deals with a video recording showing that, in November of last year, Mr O hAnnaidh wore and displayed the flag of Hezbollah, a proscribed terrorist organisation, while saying 'up Hamas, up Hezbollah'," he added. A rapturous welcome outside court for Kneecap's Mo Chara (Image: © 2025 PA Media, All Rights Reserved) Bisgrove continued: "Of course, support for the one is not the same as support for the other. "So the issue in this case, and the reason it has come to court, it centres on the apparent support by Mr Óg Ó hAnnaidh of a proscribed terrorist organisation." Óg Ó hAnnaidh, wearing a dark zip-up jacket and trousers, confirmed his identity at the start of the hearing. Outside, hundreds of fans and journalists packed the court building's entrance, waiting for the performer to emerge. Following the hearing, Óg Ó hAnnaidh's bandmate, Mr O Caireallain, led the crowd in chants of "Free Palestine". Wearing sunglasses and a keffiyeh, Mr O Caireallain said: "For anybody going to Glastonbury, you can see us there at 4pm on the Saturday. If you can't be there we'll be on the BBC, if anybody watches the BBC. We'll be at Wembley in September. But most importantly: free, free Palestine." Óg Ó hAnnaidh was released on unconditional bail until his next hearing at the same court on August 20.
Daily Mirror
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Kneecap fans protest in support for group member accused of terrorism offence
Rap group Kneecap has said it has 'plastered' London with messages of support for one of its members who is due to appear in court accused of a terrorism offence Irish rap crew Kneecap has taken to the streets of London with a blast of solidarity for a band member due in court on accusations of terrorism after a London gig. Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, who goes by the stage name Mo Chara, stands accused of brandishing a flag backing Hezbollah at a show in November 2024. The 27-year-old rapper is set to face Westminster Magistrates' Court on June 18 after the incident at his gig at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, North London. Óg Ó hAnnaidh is charged with unfurling a flag in public hinting he could be supporting Hezbollah, a group listed as prohibited. However Kneecap slammed the case against their bandmate as a 'witch hunt' in a fiery post on X. Their social media blitz that took place in the capital included a clip showing a billboard sporting "more blacks, more dogs, more Irish, Mo Chara", which had hit the London scene. Fervent supporters crowded outside the courthouse brandishing "Free Mo Chara" and "Defend Kneecap" placards. The assembly featured Palestinian colours alongside Kneecap emblems, erupting in cheers as an ad van cruised by championing the same bold "More Blacks, More Dogs, More Irish, Mo Chara" catchphrase. The scenes saw protestors marching through the streets in solidarity for the band member. Austrian fan Alexandra Kennedy made the journey from her homeland to back Kneecap, expressing: "I think that Kneecap are important to so many people that if Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh gets a heavy sentence, then maybe people will lose something, they need the connection to Kneecap." Help us improve our content by completing the survey below. We'd love to hear from you! Article continues below Brighton-based copywriter Victoria Ashworth and her daughter Lily also joined the protest. 53-year-old Ms Ashworth shared her thoughts, saying: "I just feel like the charges are utterly ridiculous. I believe in freedom of speech." The Metropolitan Police have charged Óg Ó hAnnaidh, listed in court documents as Liam O'Hanna, following the emergence of a video from an O2 Forum gig. In a defiant act after being charged with terrorism, Óg Ó hAnnaidh was seen on social media entering the stage with his mouth taped shut. The Met had previously announced an investigation into Belfast rap group Kneecap after online footage seemed to show them inciting violence against MPs and supporting "up Hamas, up Hezbollah". Kneecap has firmly stated that they have "never supported" either Hamas or Hezbollah, both proscribed organisations in the UK.
Daily Mirror
23-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Kneecap's 'secret' London show met with police presence after speedy sell-out
Met Police officers could be seen entering the 100 Club on Oxford Street in central London on May 22 where rap trio Kneecap had announced a surprise sold-out gig on Thursday night Police turned up at Kneecap 's surprise gig in London on Thursday just hours after rapper Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh was charged with a terrorism offence. Three officers were spotted entering the 100 Club, located on Oxford Street, where the rap trio had announced the performance for May 22 at approximately 7.35pm. A queue had started forming ahead of the concert as anticipation continued to build in the lead-up. Posting on X, the band had confirmed that tickets had sold out in a mere 90 seconds with a growing waiting list of around 2,000 people. Due to this huge crowd, the Metropolitan Police had confirmed plans were in place to ensure health and safety at the event. The Met Office told The Mirror: 'A police plan was in place around last night's event to ensure it passed off safely. This was primarily in terms of managing visitors to the venue for what was understood to be a spontaneous and sold out event.' It comes after Óg Ó hAnnaidh - who performs under the name Mo Chara - was charged with a terrorism offence for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag. A proscribed terror organisation where it is considered a crime for 'inviting support' for the group. The incident is believed to have taken place on November 21 last year at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, London. Police from the Met's Counter Terrorism Command launched an urgent probe after being made aware on April 22. Following a review of video footage from the event, Óg Ó hAnnaidh was later charged with an offence relating to section 13(1)(b) and (3) of the Terrorism Act 2000. The 27-year-old is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on June 18. Kneecap responded, indicating they have never supported Hamas or Hezbollah, arguing the footage in question was taken out of context. A number of gigs featuring the group have since been cancelled. In a statement, the Met Police said: "A man has been charged with a terrorism offence following an investigation by the Met's Counter Terrorism Command. Liam O'Hanna, 27, of Belfast has been charged, via postal requisition, with displaying a flag in support of Hezballah, a proscribed organisation. "On November 21 2024, in a public place, namely the O2 Forum, Kentish Town, London, displayed an article, namely a flag, in such a way or in such circumstances as to arouse reasonable suspicion that he is a supporter of a proscribed organisation, namely Hezballah, contrary to section 13(1)(b) and (3) of the Terrorism Act 2000. Officers from the Met's Counter Terrorism Command were made aware on Tuesday, 22 April of an online video from the event. "An investigation was carried out, which led to the Crown Prosecution Service authorising the above charge. O'Hanna is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, 18 June."
