Kneecap Sparks Outrage at Coachella with Pro-Palestinian Messages

INDIO, Calif. — Irish hip-hop trio Kneecap ignited controversy this weekend at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, where they led a “Free Palestine” chant and displayed anti-Israel messages during their set on April 20. This performance followed a reported livestream cut during their earlier set due to similar political statements.

The band, known for its provocative political commentary, performed in front of thousands at the festival’s Sonora tent, projecting messages such as, “Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people,” and “Enabled by the U.S. government, which arms and funds Israel despite their war crimes.”

Rapper and vocalist Mo Chara encouraged the crowd to join in chants demanding freedom for Palestine, emphasizing in his remarks, “Not long ago, the Irish were persecuted at the hands of the Brits, but we were never bombed from the f***ing skies with nowhere to go.”

The backlash to Kneecap’s performance was amplified over social media, as various commentators criticized the use of a music festival platform for what they termed one-sided propaganda. “Using a music festival to celebrate the terrorists who massacred thousands at a music festival. I wish you could make this [stuff] up,” one user remarked on X, while another highlighted the irony of the festival’s liberal freedom celebrated by attendees.

Kneecap’s pro-Palestinian overtures were not an isolated incident at Coachella. British punk duo Bob Vylan also exhibited solidarity by displaying a Palestinian flag during their set. However, it remains unclear whether they conveyed similar political sentiments.

Following the outcry over their first weekend’s performance, Kneecap took to social media to express that Coachella had censored their protest messages. The band assured followers they would be present again for the second weekend, stating, “Not the only thing that was cut — our messaging on the U.S.-backed genocide in Gaza somehow never appeared on screens either.”

In response to the controversy, music industry figures weighed in. Paul Tollett, the co-founder of Coachella, has been praised on social media for his commitment to the festival community. Record executive Scott Braun shared a heartfelt tribute to Tollett, highlighting his advocacy for artists and his emotional support for victims impacted by the Hamas attacks.

“Let’s not lose sight of who this man is, and let us stand with him in this moment when a group, without his knowing, took advantage of his festival and created hate in a place that’s filled with love,” wrote Braun.

The festival continues to evolve as a platform for social issues, with Coachella’s lineup also featuring major artists including Lady Gaga, Green Day, and Post Malone. As the situation progresses, many await further developments regarding the organizers’ response to the Kneecap incident and its implications for future performances.