Category Entertainment News

The Northern Irish rap group has been embroiled in a number of controversies over the last few days, following the political messaging at the end of their Coachella set

Kneecap hit back at Sharon Osbourne with a savage response after she told them to ‘be more like Bono’. The Northern Irish rap group caused a stir on the internet when they ended their set at Coachella music festival in California on April 18 with three messages on a large screen that accused Israel of genocide and war crimes against the Palestinian people.

The messages 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.” The group have long been pro-Palestinian but their Coachella statement set the internet ablaze, with the likes of Sharon Osbourne chiming in to condemn their message.

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Following their set, Sharon became one of the public figures to condemn the performance, advocating for their US work visas to be revoked. Amid the uproar, fans and other musicians – including Massive Attack and Garbage – have been quick to show the West Belfast musicians their support.

Kneecap responded to Sharon’s initial comments with a statement that read: “Statements aren’t aggressive, murdering 20,000 children is though.” And now, Sharon appeared on Piers Morgan Uncensored and shared her thoughts on Kneecap using Coachella to share their stance, despite them openly voicing their beliefs since the band’s formation.

“My whole stance is have your own stance politically, couldn’t give a damn what you believe in but don’t bring it to a musical festival where there’s peace. Music unites people, music doesn’t separate people,” she claimed.

“It’s all insane that this should be allowed to continue where there are young people, drinking or doing whatever they want to do, it’s their business, but don’t try to incite violence with their fist, attitude. Their whole attitude is one of anger, it’s not of peace.”

She repeated her demand to have their US working visas revoked and added: “There are enough problems. We don’t need, in America, this coming in.

“They are uneducated, when was the last time they went to the Middle East? They are using cliched slogans, nothing they are saying is original. They are not bringing anything to the table. Nothing except anger.”

She then told the group to be more like U2, telling Piers: “They should follow the masters, who are U2. Bono goes on, he talks about Palestine. He does it in peace. He’s pro-Palestine, that’s his opinion Bono, god bless him, but he does it in such a way that it doesn’t incite violence from a crowd.”

Upon seeing her comments telling the band members, including Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí, to be more like Bono, they took to X/Twitter to respond.

They wrote: “Would rather be a Rangers fan tbh…”

It comes after the counter-terror police announced that they would be investigating the rap trio after video resurfaced of the group allegedly saying “up Hamas, up Hezbollah” and “The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP”.

Following their Coachella set, they released a statement hitting out at the ‘coordinated smear campaign’ against them. They said: “Since our statements at Coachella – exposing the ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people – we have faced a coordinated smear campaign. For over a year, we have used our shows to call out the British and Irish governments’ complicity in war crimes.

“The recent attacks against us, largely emanating from the US, are based on deliberate distortions and falsehoods. We are taking action against several of these malicious efforts. Let us be absolutely clear.

Kneecap continued: “The reason Kneecap is being targeted is simple – we are telling the truth, and our audience is growing. Those attacking us want to silence criticism of a mass slaughter. They weaponise false accusations of antisemitism to distract, confuse, and provide cover for genocide.

“We do not give a f**k what religion anyone practices. We know there are massive numbers of Jewish people outraged by this genocide just as we are. What we care about is that governments of the countries we perform in are enabling some of the most horrific crimes of our lifetimes – and we will not stay silent.

“No media spin will change this. Our only concern is the Palestinian people. The 20,000 murdered children and counting. The young people at our gigs see through the lie. They stand on the side of humanity and justice. And that gives us great hope.”

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READ MORE: Discounted Ninja outdoor oven pizza is ‘better than takeaway’ say shoppers

The Northern Irish rap group has been embroiled in a number of controversies over the last few days, following the political messaging at the end of their Coachella set

Kneecap hit back at Sharon Osbourne with a savage response after she told them to ‘be more like Bono’. The Northern Irish rap group caused a stir on the internet when they ended their set at Coachella music festival in California on April 18 with three messages on a large screen that accused Israel of genocide and war crimes against the Palestinian people.

The messages 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.” The group have long been pro-Palestinian but their Coachella statement set the internet ablaze, with the likes of Sharon Osbourne chiming in to condemn their message.

READ MORE: Le Creuset iconic rainbow mugs below £8 in deal cheaper than Amazon Prime Day

Following their set, Sharon became one of the public figures to condemn the performance, advocating for their US work visas to be revoked. Amid the uproar, fans and other musicians – including Massive Attack and Garbage – have been quick to show the West Belfast musicians their support.

Kneecap responded to Sharon’s initial comments with a statement that read: “Statements aren’t aggressive, murdering 20,000 children is though.” And now, Sharon appeared on Piers Morgan Uncensored and shared her thoughts on Kneecap using Coachella to share their stance, despite them openly voicing their beliefs since the band’s formation.

“My whole stance is have your own stance politically, couldn’t give a damn what you believe in but don’t bring it to a musical festival where there’s peace. Music unites people, music doesn’t separate people,” she claimed.

“It’s all insane that this should be allowed to continue where there are young people, drinking or doing whatever they want to do, it’s their business, but don’t try to incite violence with their fist, attitude. Their whole attitude is one of anger, it’s not of peace.”

She repeated her demand to have their US working visas revoked and added: “There are enough problems. We don’t need, in America, this coming in.

“They are uneducated, when was the last time they went to the Middle East? They are using cliched slogans, nothing they are saying is original. They are not bringing anything to the table. Nothing except anger.”

She then told the group to be more like U2, telling Piers: “They should follow the masters, who are U2. Bono goes on, he talks about Palestine. He does it in peace. He’s pro-Palestine, that’s his opinion Bono, god bless him, but he does it in such a way that it doesn’t incite violence from a crowd.”

Upon seeing her comments telling the band members, including Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí, to be more like Bono, they took to X/Twitter to respond.

They wrote: “Would rather be a Rangers fan tbh…”

It comes after the counter-terror police announced that they would be investigating the rap trio after video resurfaced of the group allegedly saying “up Hamas, up Hezbollah” and “The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP”.

Following their Coachella set, they released a statement hitting out at the ‘coordinated smear campaign’ against them. They said: “Since our statements at Coachella – exposing the ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people – we have faced a coordinated smear campaign. For over a year, we have used our shows to call out the British and Irish governments’ complicity in war crimes.

“The recent attacks against us, largely emanating from the US, are based on deliberate distortions and falsehoods. We are taking action against several of these malicious efforts. Let us be absolutely clear.

Kneecap continued: “The reason Kneecap is being targeted is simple – we are telling the truth, and our audience is growing. Those attacking us want to silence criticism of a mass slaughter. They weaponise false accusations of antisemitism to distract, confuse, and provide cover for genocide.

“We do not give a f**k what religion anyone practices. We know there are massive numbers of Jewish people outraged by this genocide just as we are. What we care about is that governments of the countries we perform in are enabling some of the most horrific crimes of our lifetimes – and we will not stay silent.

“No media spin will change this. Our only concern is the Palestinian people. The 20,000 murdered children and counting. The young people at our gigs see through the lie. They stand on the side of humanity and justice. And that gives us great hope.”

Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

READ MORE: Discounted Ninja outdoor oven pizza is ‘better than takeaway’ say shoppers

Spice Girls star Melanie C has confessed ‘next year is a big year us’ as she opened up on the potential of a reunion for the iconic group group’s 30th anniversary of Wannabe’s release

Melanie C has admitted some are taking more convincing than others as the world gets excited about a Spice Girls reunion tour. Sporty Spice, 51, seemingly couldn’t hide her excitement at the thoughts of a 30 year anniversary tour, but admitted not everyone is feeling the same buzz.

It was claimed earlier this week that the iconic girl group were in talks to hit the road to mark 30 years since the release of Wannabe. And now Melanie C has revealed certain members are needing more “convincing” for the feat.

It’s thought Victoria is “90 per cent” sure to miss out yet again – just like she did on the group’s sell-out tour in 2019. However, that doesn’t appear to be going to stop Melanie and the other members.

Speaking on the No Filter with Kate Langbroek podcast, Sporty said: “Next year is a big year for us and we have to acknowledge it in some way.

“So we are talking about what that’s going to look like and for me, Melanie, I know for sure, and Emma [Bunton], we’d be back on stage. But sometimes other people need a little bit more convincing.”

She revealed the prospect of the full ensemble reuniting would be the “best thing ever, ever, ever”. And she also said “sometimes it feels like a duty to the world”.

“When we did the shows in 2019, it brought so much joy to so many people. Not everybody likes the Spice Girls but loads of people do.

“We’re living in this weird world right now. There’s so much negativity and mad s**t going on. Let’s all spice up our lives.”

And she joked that any reunion confirmation or secrets won’t be ran by Melanie B, claiming “she can’t keep her mouth shut”.

“So don’t listen to Mel B because she doesn’t know, because we’re not telling her,” she playfully jibed.

Earlier in the week, it was claimed Band guru Simon Fuller was ready to meet with Geri to secure a deal for the reunuin. Geri and Simon are reportedly be back in touch and meeting in Miami, while Victoria has reportedly told pals she isn’t considering going back to her music roots.

“There have been rumours swirling for months, but Geri has always been too busy and had other things on, preventing her from saying Yes,” a source claimed to the Sun. “Nothing is yet confirmed but Geri and Simon are back in touch with a myriad of exciting ideas.”

However, they added: “Unfortunately Victoria has pretty much ruled herself out, but there is still a world in which she could do some sort of avatar appearance or a special one-off thing.”

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Megan Barton-Hanson took to Instagram to claim she has again been the victim of domestic abuse and said she is speaking out on the trauma as ‘silence helps no one’

Megan Barton Hanson has claimed she has been the victim of domestic abuse, revealing that she “feared” for her life in a relationship. The former Love Island star admitted she wasn’t going to open up on her ordeal, but said “silence helps no one”.

She candidly wrote a long statement on Instagram, claiming that an ex-partner became “violent” towards her. She said: “After my interview with Paul Brunson, I felt so hopeful – like I was finally in a place to open up to love again after surviving two previous experiences of domestic abuse.

“I never imagined I’d find myself in that situation again. But here I am, sharing yet another chapter of surviving coercive control and emotional abuse – because too many women can relate.”

The reality TV star said that despite her financial stability and career confidence, she was “manipulated, blamed, and made to feel worthless”. She claimed she was pressured to send large sums of money to “prove” her love.

While Megan doesn’t name the man in question, she said she “confused control for passion and cruelty for love” before saying: “I dropped charges I shouldn’t have”.

She continued: “But love doesn’t hurt. Love respects. Love never makes you feel small, unsafe, or silenced.”

She claimed things ended when she “feared for my life” while her partner was working. “That moment shook me to the core,” she claimed before saying “I was the enemy in his eyes”.

“I’ve made excuses in the past,” she went on. “Blaming my own high standards or strong will, but this time, I won’t. There’s no excuse for violence. None.”

Megan said she wasn’t looking for sympathy by sharing the comments, but wanted everyone to know they “deserve to feel safe in your relationship”.

She shared harrowing stats regarding domestic abuse, saying over 1.7million women have experienced it in the UK in 2025. Megan said she is now making it her priority to raise awareness and “fight for change” however she can.

The identity of her ex-partner is not know and could not be contacted for comment.

Megan has previously opened up on other incidents. Last year, she revealed she has experienced ‘stealthing’ up to six times, before realising it’s a form of sexual assault. The rarely reported crime can carry a prison sentence.

She recalled how on up to six occasions, while sleeping with a man, they have claimed the condom has split, which lead her to having an abortion. Classified as rape, the slang term ‘stealthing’, is used to describe the non consensual removal of a condom during sex, without informing the other person. But tragically, Megan “didn’t know it was a crime” until speaking to Married At First Sight expert Paul C Brunson on the We Need to Talk podcast.

For confidential support, call the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or visit womensaid.co.uk If you or your family have lost a friend or family member through fatal domestic abuse, AAFDA (Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse) can offer specialist and expert support and advocacy. For more info visit www.aafda.org.uk

Russell Brand, a former comedian and actor, appeared in front of Westminster Magistrates’ Court today and was given conditional bail. He appeared to be holding his arms and legs straight.

Russell Brand kept his arms crossed as he sat in court during his 12-minute hearing. The former comedian and actor appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court today to face charges of rape and sexual assault and was granted conditional bail.

According to a court sketch, Brand was giving the full charge to the clerk. In alleged assaults that date back 26 years, he was charged by post last month with one count each of rape, indecent assault, and oral rape, as well as two counts of sexual assault relating to four different women. Brand was standing with his arms folded as he watched in the image. He wore a pair of black pants and a black shirt with a midriff buttoned only to his midriff.

The comedian was dressed casually in court while sporting a brown belt, a distressed black denim shirt, and a pair of distressed black jeans.

While seated in a row of chairs, Brand crossed his legs straight and kept his gaze straight. Brand also stepped up in front of Chief Magistrate Goldspring during the hearing.

Brand’s case was transferred to the Old Bailey, where he is scheduled to show up on May 30 but the clerk did not ask him to enter any pleas. Brand slowly walked away from the court and glared straight ahead.

In September of this year, several women accused him of being a spy. Detectives launched an investigation. In April, Brand, a resident of the US, was given the Crown Prosecution Services’ permission to charge him.

The Met police’s Det Supt Andy Furphy stated at the time that “trained officers continue to support the women who make reports.” Anyone who has been impacted by this case, or anyone with any information, is still asked to come forward, and the Met’s investigation is still ongoing.

A team of investigators can be reached at CIT@met.police via email. uk. Contacting the 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line also offers support. We have authorized the Metropolitan Police to charge Russell Brand with a number of sexual offences, according to Jaswant Narwal of the CPS.

He vehemently denies any wrongdoing and insists that all of his relationships have been consensual following a joint investigation by The Sunday Times and Channel 4 Dispatches following the 2023 allegations.

If you’ve been the victim of sexual assault, you can access help and resources via www.rapecrisis.org.uk or calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999

Russell Brand, a former comedian and actor, appeared in front of Westminster Magistrates’ Court today and was given conditional bail. He appeared to be holding his arms and legs straight.

Russell Brand kept his arms crossed as he sat in court during his 12-minute hearing. The former comedian and actor appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court today to face charges of rape and sexual assault and was granted conditional bail.

According to a court sketch, Brand was giving the full charge to the clerk. In alleged assaults that date back 26 years, he was charged by post last month with one count each of rape, indecent assault, and oral rape, as well as two counts of sexual assault relating to four different women. Brand was standing with his arms folded as he watched in the image. He wore a pair of black pants and a black shirt with a midriff buttoned only to his midriff.

The comedian was dressed casually in court while sporting a brown belt, a distressed black denim shirt, and a pair of distressed black jeans.

While seated in a row of chairs, Brand crossed his legs straight and kept his gaze straight. Brand also stepped up in front of Chief Magistrate Goldspring during the hearing.

Brand’s case was transferred to the Old Bailey, where he is scheduled to show up on May 30 but the clerk did not ask him to enter any pleas. Brand slowly walked away from the court and glared straight ahead.

In September of this year, several women accused him of being a spy. Detectives launched an investigation. In April, Brand, a resident of the US, was given the Crown Prosecution Services’ permission to charge him.

The Met police’s Det Supt Andy Furphy stated at the time that “trained officers continue to support the women who make reports.” Anyone who has been impacted by this case, or anyone with any information, is still asked to come forward, and the Met’s investigation is still ongoing.

A team of investigators can be reached at CIT@met.police via email. uk. Contacting the 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line also offers support. We have authorized the Metropolitan Police to charge Russell Brand with a number of sexual offences, according to Jaswant Narwal of the CPS.

He vehemently denies any wrongdoing and insists that all of his relationships have been consensual following a joint investigation by The Sunday Times and Channel 4 Dispatches following the 2023 allegations.

If you’ve been the victim of sexual assault, you can access help and resources via www.rapecrisis.org.uk or calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999