‘This is a Carnival of Distraction’

Kneecap has responded to a member of the group being charged with a terrorism offense by London’s Metropolitan Police.

Mo Chara of the Irish-language hip-hop group was investigated and subsequently charged for allegedly showing support for militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah in historic videos. Both are proscribed as terror groups according to U.K. law, and considered an offense under the Terrorism Act 2000. Mo Chara, born Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on June 18.

“We deny this ‘offence’ and will vehemently defend ourselves,” Kneecap wrote in a statement posted on their Instagram. “This is political policing,” it continued. “This is a carnival of distraction.” They added: “14,000 babies are about to die of starvation in Gaza, with food sent by the world sitting on the other side of a wall, and once again the British establishment is focused on us.”

“British establishment is focused on us”, Kneecap added. “They profit from genocide, they use an ‘anti-terror law’ against us for displaying a flag thrown on stage. A charge not serious enough to even warrant their ‘crown court’, instead a court that doesn’t have a jury.” Read the full statement below.

The incident allegedly took place at a show at London’s O2 Forum in November 2024, though the video resurfaced in April following their Coachella sets, in which they displayed a message stating “F–k Israel, Free Palestine.” A number of politicians also criticised the group for allegedly calling for the death of Tory MPs in a performance. 

In a follow-up statement, Kneecap denied support for either Hamas or Hezbollah. “Let us be unequivocal: we do not, and have never, supported Hamas or Hezbollah,” the band wrote. “We condemn all attacks on civilians, always. It is never okay. We know this more than anyone, given our nation’s history.” They also apologised to the families of MPs Jo Cox and Sir David Amess, both of whom were murdered by members of the public in 2016 and 2021, respectively. 

Following the band’s sets at Coachella in mid-April the band’s activities has drawn condemnation and support from throughout the music industry. Sharon Osbourne called for the group’s work visas to be rescinded, the band split with their U.S. booking agent, and a number of shows were cancelled in Germany and in the U.K.

A number of high-profile artists including Massive Attack, Fontaines D.C. and more signed an open letter denouncing the restriction of free speech for artists. On Friday (May 23), Kneecap are due to play their first show since the furore at London’s Wide Awake Festival in Brockwell Park.