Kneecap Sparks Glastonbury Controversy Amid Political Backlash

Irish rap trio Kneecap sparked significant controversy with their politically charged performance at the Glastonbury Festival, where they openly criticized U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and expressed strong support for Palestine amid ongoing legal issues faced by member Mo Chara. Their set, which featured chants against Starmer and calls to "Free Palestine," drew a large crowd but was notably excluded from the BBC's live coverage, a decision alluded to during the performance. Mo Chara, currently on bail facing terrorism-related charges for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag, led the band in defiant chants, highlighting the political tensions surrounding their appearance. The band has a history of provocative activism, including previous comments calling for the death of Conservative MPs, which they say are satirical and performed in character. The controversy surrounding Kneecap's performance reflects broader debates about political expression at major music festivals, which some critics argue have become platforms for polarized political messaging rather than purely musical events. This political backdrop at Glastonbury also ties into wider discussions about censorship, justice, and the role of art in political discourse.