Kneecap Decry ‘Smear Campaign’ Over Palestine Support at Coachella

ABLUpdated 15 hours Ago1 Mins read0

Kneecap are continuing to stand for Palestine amid what the Irish rap group calls “a coordinated smear campaign” over their Coachella sets. The group projected pro-Palestine messages during their weekend-two performance on April 18, after being unable to during weekend one. Since then, Kneecap has faced backlash for the statements, with Sharon Osbourne even calling for their work visas to be revoked. Kneecap defended their performance as “telling the truth” in an X post on April 25. “Those attacking us want to silence criticism of a mass slaughter,” the group said. “They weaponize false accusations of antisemitism to distract, confuse, and provide cover for genocide.” Kneecap said they “are taking action” over “several” of the “recent attacks” they’ve faced.

KNEECAP STATEMENT:

Since our statements at Coachella — exposing the ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people — we have faced a coordinated smear campaign.

For over a year, we have used our shows to call out the British and Irish governments’ complicity in war crimes.… pic.twitter.com/mBojb5QBOP

— KNEECAP (@KNEECAPCEOL) April 25, 2025

Kneecap’s Coachella projections accused Israel of genocide and the U.S. of aiding Israel’s “war crimes.” A final message read, “Fuck Israel. Free Palestine,” prompting a “Free Palestine” chant from the crowd. On X, the band noted that their support for Palestine is not new. “For over a year, we have used our shows to call out the British and Irish governments’ complicity in war crimes,” they wrote. The group was one of several acts who voiced support for Palestine at the festival, also including Green Day and Clairo.

Kneecap also denied allegations of antisemitism in their statements. “We do not give a f*ck what religion anyone practices,” they said. “We know there are massive numbers of Jewish people outraged by this genocide just as we are. What we care about is that governments of the countries we perform in are enabling some of the most horrific crimes of our lifetimes — and we will not stay silent.”

The band concluded by saying they see “great hope” in the support for Palestine among their audiences. “The young people at our gigs see through the lies,” they wrote. “They stand on the side of humanity and justice.”