Footage of Irish rap group Kneecap allegedly encouraging violence against British MPs is currently being assessed by counter-terrorism police.
A video has surfaced from a November 2023 performance, appearing to show a member of the Belfast trio declaring: “The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.” The Metropolitan Police confirmed that this footage, alongside another clip seemingly showing a band member shouting “up Hamas, up Hezbollah” during a London gig, is under review.
Kneecap has responded on social media, claiming they are the target of a “co-ordinated smear campaign”. However, under UK law, both Hamas and Hezbollah are proscribed terrorist organisations, and expressing support for them is a criminal offence.
In a statement, a Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “We were made aware of a video on 22 April, believed to be from an event in November 2023. It has been referred to the Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit (CTIRU) for assessment and to determine whether any further police investigation may be required. We have also been made aware of another video, also believed to be from November 2023.”
The UK government also issued a statement strongly condemning any threats made towards elected officials. “Political intimidation and abuse must have no place in our society,” a government spokesman said. “We recognise the chilling effect that harassment and intimidation of elected representatives can have on our democracy. All reports of intimidation, harassment and threats are taken extremely seriously. We work with the police and Parliament to do everything in our power to crack down on threats to elected officials.”
Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Gavin Robinson has called for an investigation into the group. He stated on X (formerly Twitter): “Promoting sectarianism, glorifying violence and spreading division under the guise of ‘art’ is still hate.”
Despite the controversy, none of the members of Kneecap — Liam Óg Ó Hannaidh, Naoise Ó Cairealláin, and JJ Ó Dochartaigh — have been charged with any offences at this time.
The trio has faced additional scrutiny following their recent performances at the Coachella music festival in the United States, where they displayed messages criticising the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The performance drew international attention, and former X Factor judge Sharon Osbourne subsequently called for the group’s US work visas to be revoked.
Shortly after Osbourne’s remarks, Kneecap was dropped by their US sponsor and booking agency, Independent Artist Group (IAG). IAG later confirmed the termination of their relationship with the band to entertainment outlet The Hollywood Reporter.
In response to questions regarding their visa situation, Kneecap replied: “Statements aren’t aggressive, murdering 20,000 children is though,” referring to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. It is understood that their existing visas are no longer valid, and they are currently in the process of securing new sponsorship to proceed with their planned North American tour in October, which is reportedly already sold out.
Despite the controversy, Kneecap remains defiant. In a social media post, the group reiterated that they have “faced a co-ordinated smear campaign”, insisting that their performances have consistently “called out” the war in Gaza. They further suggested they are considering legal action against what they described as “malicious efforts” to undermine their reputation.
More Read
Earlier this week, Kneecap’s manager Daniel Lambert revealed that the band had received “severe” death threats following their Coachella appearance. Lambert added that security measures have been heightened around the band as a precaution.
Kneecap, known for their provocative lyrics and political messaging, have long stirred debate in both Ireland and the UK. Their songs, performed in both English and Irish, often address issues such as Irish unity, anti-establishment sentiments, and social justice causes. However, critics argue that the group’s rhetoric sometimes crosses the line into promoting violence.
The Metropolitan Police and CTIRU have yet to confirm whether formal investigations will be launched following their assessments of the video footage.
For now, Kneecap continues to plan for their upcoming tour while simultaneously navigating mounting controversy and legal uncertainty both at home and abroad.
