Rap trio Kneecap have suggested they are taking legal action against “false accusations of antisemitism” after criticism of them displaying messages about the war in Gaza during their set at US music festival Coachella.
The Belfast group accused Israel of genocide and war crimes against Palestinians with on-screen messages when they ended their set at the second weekend of the event in California.
They 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”.
Following the performance, former The X Factor judge Sharon Osbourne called for their US work visas to be revoked, and Kneecap’s manager Daniel Lambert said the band had received “severe” death treats.
In an Instagram statement, the band alleged they had “faced a co-ordinated smear campaign”, saying that their shows have previously “called out” the conflict in Gaza.
“The recent attacks against us, largely emanating from the US, are based on deliberate distortions and falsehoods,” Kneecap added.
“We are taking action against several of these malicious efforts.”
They added: “Let us be absolutely clear. 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.”
Kneecap,...
Rap trio Kneecap have suggested they are taking legal action against “false accusations of antisemitism” after criticism of them displaying messages about the war in Gaza during their set at US mu...