Kneecap Faces Festival Bans Amid Terror Charge

Irish rap trio Kneecap have announced their largest UK headline show at London's OVO Wembley Arena on September 18, amid ongoing controversy surrounding member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh (Mo Chara), who faces a terror charge for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag and making inflammatory statements at a 2023 London gig. Mo Chara is scheduled to appear in court on June 18. While Kneecap have been dropped from both Scotland’s TRNSMT and England’s Eden Sessions festivals due to safety and legal concerns, they will retain their slot at Glastonbury Festival later this month. The group denies supporting terrorist organizations, stating criticism has been distorted, and has apologized to the families of murdered MPs. Prominent artists have voiced support for Kneecap, citing freedom of expression. The band's activism and pro-Palestine stance have led to both cancellations and sold-out replacement shows, reflecting their polarizing profile.