BELFAST rap trio Kneecap must “urgently clarify” alleged comments attributed to band members around support for Hamas and Hezbollah, and the killing of Tory MPs, the Taoiseach has said.
Micheal Martin called for the clarifications after video emerged of the group at a November 2023 gig appearing to show one member saying: “The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.”
Counter-terrorism police in London are examining the footage, along with a video clip from another concert in November 2024 in which a member of the band appeared to shout “up Hamas, up Hezbollah” – groups which are banned as terrorist organisations in the UK.
Fianna Fail leader Martin was asked about the clips as he spoke to reporters in Dublin on Monday.
He said it was “important” for the band to clarify its position.
He said: “Have they, or do they, support Hamas and Hezbollah, because that would be unacceptable.
“I mean Hezbollah are responsible, in my view, for the murder of Sean Rooney.
“And both Hamas and Hezbollah have views that are absolutely. . . Not just views, but participated in terrorist activities and appalling killing of innocent people, as witnessed on October 7.
“But it’s not clear to me that they do, that Kneecap does support Hezbollah and Hamas. It’s been asserted that they have made commentary in support of both. I think they need to urgently clarify that.
“Again, I haven’t heard in respect (of the comments about MPs), but again we’ve had some horrific events in terms of the killing of MPs in Britain, so there’s a huge responsibility on everybody to be very, very focused in terms of the protection of public representatives and the safety of public representatives, irrespective of what political views we have.
“I think it’s important that free speech is always facilitated and the capacity to speak out and criticise and condemn policies of others.
“That’s all legitimate. But in terms of life and security and safety of people, that’s a different issue.”
Following former The X Factor judge Sharon Osbourne calling for Kneecap’s US work visas to be revoked over their support for Palestine amid the Gaza war at US festival Coachella, the band was dropped by its now-former sponsor and booking agent Independent Artist Group (IAG).
The visas held by the band members are understood to no longer be valid and they are in the process of securing a new sponsor ahead of its sellout October tour in North America.
At Coachella, Kneecap displayed messages which 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”.
‘HATE SPEECH’
On Tuesday, Osbourne called the images at Coachella “projections of anti-Israel messages and hate speech”.
The music manager and wife of Black Sabbath star Ozzy Osbourne wrote on X: “As someone of both Irish Catholic on my mother’s side and Ashkenazi Jewish heritage on her 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.”
DEATH THREATS
Kneecap, made up of Liam Og O Hannaidh, Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh, alleged on social media they have “faced a co-ordinated smear campaign”, saying their shows have previously “called out” the conflict in Gaza.
They also appeared to suggest they would be taking legal action against the “malicious efforts”.
Earlier in the week, Kneecap’s manager Daniel Lambert said the band had received “severe” death threats after Coachella.
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