Kneecap’s Glastonbury set may trigger a police review after politically charged remarks and chants referencing the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Kneecap ignited controversy at the Glastonbury Festival on Saturday (June 28) after delivering a politically charged set that has prompted a police investigation and potential legal consequences.
The Irish Hip-Hop trio, already under scrutiny due to member Mo Chara’s pending terrorism charge, is now being reviewed by Avon and Somerset Police for possible criminal offenses tied to their performance.
The group’s onstage remarks, which included a direct jab at UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, have drawn criticism from lawmakers and international observers.
“The prime minister of your country, not mine, said he didn’t want us to play, so f### Keir Starmer,” Mo Chara told the crowd during their set. He added, “Glastonbury, I’m a free man. This situation can be quite stressful but it’s minimal compared to what the Palestinian people are (facing).”
The BBC, which live-streamed parts of the festival, issued an on-screen warning during the performance and later confirmed it would not make the set available on demand.
The broadcaster also pulled the performance by Bob Vylan, a UK rap-punk duo, after their set included chants of “Free, free Palestine” and “death, death to the IDF.”
Bobby Vylan addressed the crowd directly, saying, “I know we’re on the BBC so we’re not going to say anything crazy, alright? But … unfortunately we have seen a strange reaction to people that come out and voice support for Palestine, even though anybody with any kind of moral compass can surely tell that what is happening in Gaza is a tragedy.”
The Israeli Embassy in the UK condemned the performances, stating, “When such messages are delivered before tens of thousands of festivalgoers and met with applause, it raises serious concerns about the normalization of extremist language and the glorification of violence.”
UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has not yet commented publicly, but pressure is mounting for the government to respond. Police confirmed they are reviewing footage to determine if any laws were broken during the sets.
This isn’t the first time Kneecap has faced legal scrutiny.
In May, Mo Chara was charged with a terrorism offense after allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag and chanting “up Hamas, up Hezbollah” during a November 2024 concert in London. Hezbollah is classified as a terrorist organization under UK law.
Mo Chara appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in June and was released on bail, subject to certain conditions. His next court date is scheduled for August.
Related
