Adrian Dunbar Defends Kneecap Amid Terror Charge, Show Cancellations, Bans

Northern Irish actor Adrian Dunbar has defended Belfast rap trio Kneecap amid controversies surrounding one member's charge with a terror offence related to allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag. The band, known for provocative lyrics and promoting the Irish language, has faced several show cancellations, including at TRNSMT festival and the Eden Project, and was banned from entering Hungary for a music festival. Dunbar criticized the public and media for jumping to conclusions about the group, emphasizing their musical talent and clear political stance, and said decisions about broadcasting their performances, such as the BBC's choice not to live stream their Glastonbury set, are for broadcasters to make. The group has said it is the target of a smear campaign due to their support for Palestine and criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza, and they have apologized to families of murdered MPs, denying support for Hamas or Hezbollah. Glastonbury organizers faced political pressure to drop Kneecap, with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stating their performance was inappropriate, though no police action followed investigations into their set. Kneecap's controversies include footage of a band member allegedly inciting violence and expressing support for Hamas and Hezbollah, which has sparked widespread debate and scrutiny.