Kneecap's Coachella Protest Sparks Widespread Backlash

At Coachella 2025, Irish hip-hop group Kneecap drew controversy for explicit pro-Palestinian displays and chants, including 'F**k Israel, Free Palestine' and accusations of genocide by Israel in Gaza. Their actions led to condemnation from pro-Israel organizations such as the Simon Wiesenthal Center and Tribe of Nova, as well as public figures like Sharon Osbourne, who called for their US work visas to be revoked. Festival organizers Goldenvoice and CEO Paul Tollett were reportedly caught off guard by the performance and subsequently faced backlash from Jewish advocacy groups. Critics accused Kneecap of antisemitism and glorifying terrorism, while supporters defended their protest as a political statement against Israeli actions in Gaza. The incident intensified debate over free expression, hate speech, and the Israel-Palestine conflict within the music festival scene. Other artists' activism was no longer a focal point of the controversy.