Latest news with #ÓgÓhAnnaidh
Irish Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Mo Chara supported by fans as he returns to court over alleged terror offence
Kneecap's Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, known as Mo Chara, is today appearing in court after allegedly supporting a proscribed terror organisation. In November last year, at a gig in London, he was accused of displaying a flag in support of the terror group Hezbollah. The group have continuously denied the allegations that Óg Ó hAnnaidh is facing. Demonstrations to support the musician have been arranged outside of Westminster Magistrates, as well as in Dublin, Ireland. London's Metropolitan Police have since imposed conditions, limiting where demonstrations can take place outside of the court, stating that they need to "prevent serious disruption." The rap trio have branded the move "a calculated political decision designed to try and portray support for Kneecap as somehow troublesome." They added: "There is no basis for this, our last hearing was entirely peaceful and a loving show of solidarity with the most disruptive attendees the right wing media." They said in a statement: "We know all of our supporters will be, but please go out of your way to be compliant with all instructions issued, irrespective of how pitiful." In court last month, prosecutor Michael Bisgrove said that Óg Ó hAnnaidh was "well within his rights to voice his opinions and his solidarity, as is anybody else." He added: "The allegation in this case is a wholly different thing and deals with the video recording showing that, in November of last year, Mr O'Hanna wore and displayed the flag of Hezbollah … while saying 'up Hamas, up Hezbollah." Responding, Brenda Campbell, Óg Ó hAnnaidh said that the charge was too late as it came more than six months after the alleged crime took place. Campbell added: "If we are right in relation to that, then this court has no jurisdiction and there ends the case." Óg Ó hAnnaidh is yet to enter a plea to the charge. We will be bringing you live updates throughout the case. Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads . 09:27 Daniel Bird With less than an hour to go until Óg Ó hAnnaidh is due to appear, supporters outside of Westminster Magistrates Court have started chanting. "Free Mo Chara," could be heard, while people were waving Irish flags. Fans of Kneecap have started chanting outside the court (Image: PA) 09:18 Daniel Bird Chris Hazzard, the MP for South Down in Northern Ireland, has taken to social media to share his support for Óg Ó hAnnaidh. In a statement, he said: "This morning Kneecap's Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh is back in Westminster Magistrates' Court. As the rogue Israeli regime continues their genocide in Palestine, supported by complicit western governments, it is a rapper from West Belfast — not the war criminals — who are being dragged before the courts. "This is the same British justice system that stays silent on the British government's complicity in Israel's brutal and relentless assault on the defenceless people of Gaza. Kneecap are on the right side of history. Their courage in calling out Israel's genocide in Palestine, despite the full weight of the western establishment against them, deserves recognition and support. "Free Mo Chara – Free Palestine." South Down MP Chris Hazzard has voiced his thoughts (Image: PA) 08:51 KEY EVENT The Met has confirmed that a Public Order Act is in place today. In a statement shared on X, formerly Twitter, the force said: "We've imposed Public Order Act conditions to prevent serious disruption being caused by a protest outside Westminster Magistrates' Court tomorrow. "Protest in support of Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh and aligned causes must remain in the red area. Any stage must be erected in the green area." The Met have put a Public Order Act in place ahead of the hearing (Image: @metpoliceuk/X) 08:33 Daniel Bird Fans of the band have already started arriving at Westminster Magistrates' Court to show their support, with placards and some waving Palestinian flags. Fans of Kneecap have started arriving at court to show their support (Image: PA) One sign said: "Kneecap rap for what is right." While another read: "Hands off Mo Chara." Fans have been vocal over their support (Image: AP) 08:30 Daniel Bird Kneecap fans have been asked to support Óg Ó hAnnaidh outside of Westminster Magistrates Court, as well as outside Connolly Books in Temple Bar, Dublin. 08:29 KEY EVENT Taking to Instagram on Tuesday following a statement from the Met, who have imposed a Public Order Act, the band said: "We massively appreciate the support of what we know are the majority of the public, who can see this farce for what it is. It is distraction from war crimes that the British state support. "In our view this police action is designed to try and portray support for kneecap as somehow troublesome. It is a calculated political decision the night before Mo Chara's court appearance. "There is no basis for this, our last hearing was entirely peaceful and a loving show of solidarity with the most disruptive attendees the right wing media. We know all of our supporters will be, but please go out of your way to be compliant with all instructions issued, irrespective of how pitiful. "Free Palestine."
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Kneecap's Mo Chara court LIVE: Musician appears in court over terror offence
Kneecap member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, known as Mo Chara, is appearing at Westminster Magistrates Court today. The Kneecap star, 27, is facing an investigation after allegedly supporting a proscribed terror organisation. In November last year, at a gig in London, he was accused of displaying a flag in support of the terror group Hezbollah. The group have continuously denied the allegations that Óg Ó hAnnaidh is facing. Demonstrations to support the musician have been arranged outside of Westminster Magistrates, as well as in Dublin, Ireland. London's Metropolitan Police have since imposed conditions, limiting where demonstrations can take place outside of the court, stating that they need to "prevent serious disruption." The rap trio have branded the move "a calculated political decision designed to try and portray support for Kneecap as somehow troublesome." They added: "There is no basis for this, our last hearing was entirely peaceful and a loving show of solidarity with the most disruptive attendees the right wing media." They said in a statement: "We know all of our supporters will be, but please go out of your way to be compliant with all instructions issued, irrespective of how pitiful." It was previously heard that Óg Ó hAnnaidh is "well within his rights" to voice his opinions on the Israel-Palestine conflict, but the alleged incident at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London, was described as a "wholly different thing". Óg Ó hAnnaidh is yet to enter a plea to the charge. We will be bringing you live updates throughout the case. 08:51Daniel Bird Metropolitan Police statement The Met have confirmed that there is a Public Order Act in place today. In a statement shared on X, formerly Twitter, the force said: "We've imposed Public Order Act conditions to prevent serious disruption being caused by a protest outside Westminster Magistrates' Court tomorrow. "Protest in support of Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh and aligned causes must remain in the red area. Any stage must be erected in the green area." 08:33Daniel Bird Supporters arrive at London court Fans of the band have already started arriving at Westminster Magistrates' Court to show their support, with placards and some waving Palestinian flags. One sign said: "Kneecap rap for what is right." While another read: "Hands off Mo Chara." 08:30Daniel Bird Demonstrations to take place Kneecap fans have been asked to support Óg Ó hAnnaidh outside of Westminster Magistrates Court, as well as outside Connolly Books in Temple Bar, Dublin. 08:29Daniel Bird Kneecap's statement ahead of Óg Ó hAnnaidh's appearance in court Taking to Instagram on Tuesday following a statement from the Met, who have imposed a Public Order Act, the band said: "We massively appreciate the support of what we know are the majority of the public, who can see this farce for what it is. It is distraction from war crimes that the British state support. "In our view this police action is designed to try and portray support for kneecap as somehow troublesome. It is a calculated political decision the night before Mo Chara's court appearance. "There is no basis for this, our last hearing was entirely peaceful and a loving show of solidarity with the most disruptive attendees the right wing media. We know all of our supporters will be, but please go out of your way to be compliant with all instructions issued, irrespective of how pitiful. "Free Palestine."
Daily Mirror
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Kneecap's opening Glastonbury montage divides fans as band boast over crowd size
Irish band Kneecap shared a peek at their controversial Glastonbury set after the BBC refused to show their performance live on Saturday Irish rap trio Kneecap took to social media to share their opening Glastonbury montage with their followers. The band's performance at the Worthy Farm event caused controversy with many having called for them to have been removed from the artist list. While the calls failed, the BBC refused to air the group's set live on Saturday as they took to the West Holts stage. And the group were keen to give fans a glimpse of what they missed. They also said they were sharing as some in the crowd wouldn't have been able to see either due to the sheer size of the turnout. Organisers had to announce the stage had been shut down prior to Kneecap's performance to deal with crowd levels. Taking to Twitter /X, the band said: "We made a wee intro video for Glasto - crowd was so big a good few heads couldn't see it so here yis go x," and also added a popcorn emoji. The clip showed a number of high profile people who were against their appearance. It included Sharon Osbourne, who was booed by the crowd at the set. Keir Starmer and other political members also featured in the upload. The video divided users on social media. While some loved the stance, others hit out at the band. One user wrote: "Boasting about having the counter terrorism squad investigating you ain't the flex you think it is." However, another was full of praise, saying: "What an intro," alongside a fire emoji. Another said: "Class lads," with an okay hand emoji. And another urged the band to share an unedited version of their set after they joked on stage that BBC would have their hands full in the editing studios. As the musicians performed to a lively crowd, chants of "f*** Keir Starmer" bellowed out on a number of occasions. Mo Chara also defiantly told the thousands of fans in attendance that he is a "free man". It came after his court appearance last week. During the court hearing, the 27-year-old was said to have been "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. Due to his release, the band was allowed to play their controversial Glastonbury set. The band was, however, keen to reiterate that the "story isn't Kneecap". They made it clear hat the key talking point shouldn't be themselves, but instead said the focus should be on what is happening in Palestine.
Daily Mirror
27-06-2025
- 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
27-06-2025
- 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."
