The Irish hip-hop trio Kneecap is currently under investigation by UK counter-terrorism police following the emergence of controversial footage from their past performances. The videos, dating back to 2023 and 2024, allegedly show band members making provocative statements, including “Kill your local MP” and expressions of support for proscribed organizations such as Hamas and Hezbollah.

The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that their Counter Terrorism Command is assessing the footage to determine if any criminal offenses have been committed. In response to the investigation, several of Kneecap’s scheduled performances have been canceled. Notably, their show at the Eden Project in Cornwall, set for July 4, 2025, was called off, with organizers citing safety concerns.

Additionally, Kneecap’s planned performances at the Hurricane and Southside Festivals in Germany have been canceled. The band announced these cancellations in a social media post, stating that tickets for their headline shows in Cologne, Berlin, and Hamburg are no longer available.

In light of the controversy, Kneecap issued an apology to the families of murdered MPs David Amess and Jo Cox, stating, “We never intended to cause you hurt.” The band maintains that their statements were taken out of context and that they do not support any form of violence.

Despite the backlash, Kneecap continues to have scheduled performances, including supporting Irish rock band Fontaines D.C. at Boucher Playing Fields in Belfast on August 29, 2025. Other upcoming shows include appearances at the Wide Awake Festival in London on May 23, Fairview Park in Dublin on June 19, and TRNSMT in Scotland on July 11.

The situation has sparked a broader debate about the balance between artistic expression and public safety. While some politicians and public figures have called for Kneecap to be removed from festival line-ups, others, including artists like Pulp, Paul Weller, and Primal Scream, have defended the group’s right to free speech.

As the investigation continues, the music community and the public remain divided over the implications of Kneecap’s statements and the appropriate response from authorities and event organizers.

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