Kneecap Performs to Largest Glastonbury Crowd Amid Terror Charge Controversy

Kneecap, an Irish rap trio from Belfast, performed at Glastonbury Festival amid controversy over member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, also known as Mo Chara, who faces charges related to allegedly displaying a flag supporting the proscribed terrorist organisation Hezbollah. Despite calls from politicians, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, for the band to be removed from the lineup, they performed to a large and supportive crowd waving Irish and Palestinian flags. During their set at the West Holts Stage, which was closed early due to crowding, news clips critical of the band were played and booed by the audience, and the group led chants critical of Starmer. The BBC chose not to live-stream their performance but indicated it would be made available on-demand after review. Mo Chara declared on stage, "Glastonbury, I’m a free man," reflecting the band's defiance amid ongoing legal proceedings, with their next court hearing scheduled for August. The band denied support for Hezbollah and emphasized their focus on artistic freedom and solidarity with global struggles, including those faced by Palestinians.