After Mo Chara was subjected to a counter-terrorism police investigation for supporting Palestine, the outspoken Irish language group Kneecap has gained media attention for its most recent court case.
Irish rap group Kneecap are ‘not likely’ to have their upcoming Glastonbury performance shown on the BBC, following controversy over band member Mo Chara’s court case this week. Mo Chara, real name Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, was charged with brandishing a flag backing banned militant group Hezbollah at a gig in November 2024.
On June 18, the 27-year-old faced Westminster Magistrates’ Court, where Paul Weller and other musicians gathered outside. The incident occurred following the band’s O2 Forum performance in Kentish Town, London.
However Kneecap branded the case against their bandmate as a “witch hunt” in a post on X after they were investigated by counter-terrorism police in May for videos allegedly showing Liam saying “up Hamas, up Hezbollah”. Meanwhile, hundreds of protestors held placards reading “Free Mo Chara”, and “Defend Kneecap,” while respected musicians showed public support for the band.
The rapper’s performance at Glastonbury was under scrutiny as well, but the show will continue as planned ahead of this weekend’s festival due to the rapper’s bail later in the summer. He told fans in Westminster that he would visit Glastonbury on Saturday at 4 p.m.
If anyone watches the BBC, you can watch it on the BBC. In September, we’ll be at Wembley. But most importantly, Palestine is free and free.
Even Prime Minister Keir Starmer has waded into the situation, amid rising tensions in the Middle East. When asked by the Sun whether the band should play the festival, he replied: “No, I don’t.
“I believe we must come down on this very clearly,” he said. Because there is a court case ongoing, I won’t say too much, but I don’t believe that’s appropriate.
However, they are still scheduled to perform on Saturday at the West Holts stage, but neither the BBC’s listings nor their schedules indicate that they will be there. Just before the broadcast is scheduled to begin, BBC Two will begin airing Glastonbury coverage at 5 p.m., with Kneecap scheduled for 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Although iPlayer coverage is available throughout, with highlights shown each day in the evenings on BBC One – the band are also not listed for either platform. The BBC’s schedule is finalised and can be changed up nto and even during the festival, but so far, there is no sign of Kneecap.
A BBC spokesperson told Yahoo UK: “As the broadcast partner, the BBC will be bringing audiences extensive music coverage from Glastonbury, with artists booked by the festival organisers. Whilst the BBC doesn’t ban artists, our plans will ensure that our programming will meet our editorial guidelines. Decisions about our output will be made in the lead up to the festival.”
In an open letter, campaign group Love Music Hate Racism, Primal Scream, and Toddla T, the wife of former Radio 1 DJ Annie Mac, criticized their upcoming performance. More than 30 “music industry individuals” are alleged to have signed the plea, which calls for Kneecap’s Glasto appearance to be canceled.
Johnny Marr, a member of The Smiths, added to the group’s growing support base before the court date, which is scheduled for August. The legendary guitarist called for an “end to the atrocities and a free Palestine” in a statement posted on social media. He praised musicians who “use their platform to speak out against injustice.”
He capped his passionate letter with “Oppression fears artistic expression.” I respect all musicians who use their platforms to protest injustice, advocate for equality, and empower the oppressed. I join my fellow musicians and my audience in calling for a free Palestine and an immediate end to the atrocities. “Johnny Marr”
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Source: Mirror
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