
Listen closely to the Kneecap furore. You'll hear hypocrisy from all sides
This process was dramatically derailed last week when Kneecap touched the third rail of Gaza and accused Israel of genocide on stage at Coachella festival in California. Cue fury from Fox News, calls for their visas to be revoked and, according to their manager, death threats. The British press combed through old videos and found clips that appear to show two explosive onstage pronouncements from Kneecap's November 2023 UK tour: 'Up Hamas, up Hezbollah' and 'The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.'
Denunciations came thick and fast: Keir Starmer's spokesperson, the security minister, Dan Jarvis, the Board of Deputies of British Jews and relatives of the murdered MPs Jo Cox and David Amess all denounced the apparent remarks. The shadow home secretary, Chris Philp, accused Kneecap of representing nothing less than 'despicable evil'. Their concert at Cornwall's Eden Project has been cancelled, as have several shows in Germany. Glastonbury, among other festivals, is facing immense pressure to drop them, too. The Met's counter-terrorism command has launched an investigation. Badenoch, bearing a grudge, says they should be prosecuted for incitement and have been 'avoiding justice for far too long'.
Some artists seek controversy while others have it thrust upon them. The Sex Pistols released God Save the Queen during the silver jubilee as a calculated provocation, leading to a BBC ban but massive sales. Pulp, however, never expected the playfully druggy packaging of their 1995 single Sorted for E's and Wizz to land on the front page of the Daily Mirror with the timeless headline 'Ban This Sick Stunt'.
Kneecap seem to be in the Sex Pistols tradition. When I interviewed them last year, Ó Cairealláin admitted: 'We're very calculated in our PR stuff. We know things are going to get a reaction.' But sometimes the scale of a backlash far exceeds expectations. Cop Killer, a 1992 single by Ice-T's rock band Body Count, inspired condemnation from the then US president, George HW Bush, and a police-led boycott of the whole of Time Warner until Ice-T buckled and removed the song from the album.
Off-the-cuff remarks should carry less weight than recorded lyrics, but tell that to the previously obscure rapper Sister Souljah, whose comments on the LA riots that same year were used by Bill Clinton to distance himself from his Black rival Jesse Jackson during his presidential campaign, thus spawning the phrase 'Sister Souljah moment' to describe strategic scapegoating.
Loose talk is even more dangerous in the online era. While writing a history of protest songs I came across more than one artist fantasising about a politician's assassination in the 1980s, but their quotes never travelled beyond the music press. Yet the Dixie Chicks' – now the Chicks – fairly mild criticism of then president George W Bush at a London show in 2003 (they told a crowd that they were 'ashamed' that Bush was also from Texas) went viral and killed their country music career. Nothing can be safely forgotten now.
Kneecap's 2023 remarks are hard to defend on their merits, even in the context of their activist reputation. Their republicanism is unapologetic: they largely rap in Irish and call their homeland 'the north of Ireland'. (Their name refers to the IRA's punishment for drug dealers, identifying the band with the latter.) Their solidarity with the Palestinian people is equally sincere, but celebrating proscribed terrorist groups is something else. Perhaps it's the kind of careless radical chic that briefly led the Clash's Joe Strummer to valorise Italy's Red Brigade in the late 1970s. Perhaps not.
The band's recent statement, while apologising to the families of Cox and Amess and identifying the outrage as part of a broader effort to delegitimise support for Palestine, did not clear things up. They claimed 'We do not, and have never, supported Hamas or Hezbollah' and would never 'seek to incite violence against any MP'. So, did they say those words? If so, what did they mean by them? If they have been taken out of context, then what was the context?
The Cop Killer example is clarifying. Ice-T was clearly singing about killing cops but wasn't actually encouraging murder. Likewise, Kneecap are not an active security threat. Within music, there is ample room for such ambiguity, provocation and free expression of outlaw thoughts. But in the harsher light of the tabloids, social media, parliament and policing, tossed-off slogans appear savagely literal and have real consequences.
This controversy has inspired hypocrisy on both sides. While Kneecap's rightwing critics are suddenly enthusiastic about 'cancel culture' and 'offence archaeology', their defenders have transformed into free-speech absolutists. One thing invariably holds true though: politicians who attack musicians come off as opportunistic, authoritarian and often foolish in their thirst for soft targets. Ban this sick stunt.
Dorian Lynskey is a writer, podcaster and author of 33 Revolutions Per Minute and The Ministry of Truth
Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a response of up to 300 words by email to be considered for publication in our letters section, please click here.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Metro
27 minutes ago
- Metro
Denise Welch takes a pop at son Matty Healy's ex Taylor Swift
Denise Welch, the mother of The 1975 frontman Matty Healy, took a shocking dig at his ex Taylor Swift. During her appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen on Thursday, the British actress and TV personality earned gasps from the audience after a cheeky comment about the pop star. The Loose Women presenter was finally making her Bravo debut after a previous on-air promise from Cohen, before what started as a light-hearted interview took a more pointed turn when the conversation shifted to Swift's 2024 album The Tortured Poets Department. The album is widely believed to contain several songs inspired by Healy, with whom Swift had a brief but high-profile relationship the previous year. When Cohen asked Welch how she felt about the record, her answer earned a huge reaction. 'Obviously, on pain of death can I talk about that episode,' she said, before adding with a laugh, 'but being her mother-in-law is a role that I am glad that I lost.' As the crowd reacted, Welch quickly tried to soften the moment: 'Not that I have anything against her at all,' she insisted, 'It was just—it was tricky.' The 67-year-old presenter continued: 'Listen, you're not allowed to say anything, and then she writes a whole album about it.' Still, she emphasised that her son had taken the public attention in stride, saying Healy handled the aftermath 'all in completely good grace.' She also confirmed that Healy is now engaged to model and singer Gabbriette Bechtel, describing her as 'gorgeous' and adding, 'He's very happy with his amazing fiancée… so we've moved on.' Swift and Healy's relationship was short but intensely scrutinised. After reconnecting in early 2023, the pair confirmed their romance in May, just weeks after Swift's split from longtime boyfriend Joe Alwyn. Healy was spotted at several of her Eras Tour stops and seen entering recording studios with her, prompting speculation about musical collaborations. But by June, the relationship had ended. Swift released The Tortured Poets Department in April 2024, and while she hasn't confirmed the identity of the songs' subjects, fans widely interpreted tracks like The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived and I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can) as reflections on her time with Healy. More Trending Welch's comments are among the most direct public acknowledgments from someone close to Healy about the strain of being involved with a global superstar who mines her personal life for creative material. For now, both parties appear to have moved on. Swift is now in a high-profile relationship with NFL star Travis Kelce, with marriage rumours routinely swirling around the pair. Healy, for his part, is engaged and keeping his music and personal life comparatively low-key. But as Welch's appearance reminded viewers, even when the world forgives and forgets, a mother remembers. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Inside Charli XCX and George Daniel's 4am wedding afterparty with one strict rule MORE: Charli XCX cheekily reveals rocker husband George Daniel cried as they marry in London MORE: Oasis have let down UK music with their choice of support act


Sky News
34 minutes ago
- Sky News
At least 125 MPs sign cross-party letter demanding Starmer recognise Palestine as a state
Sir Keir Starmer is under increasing pressure to recognise a Palestinian state, with at least 125 MPs signing a cross-party letter demanding he take the step. The letter is being organised by the Labour backbencher Sarah Champion, who also sits as the International Development Committee Chair. They write: "British recognition of Palestine would be particularly powerful given its role as the author of the Balfour Declaration and the former Mandatory Power in Palestine". "Since 1980 we have backed a two-state solution. Such a recognition would give that position substance as well as living up to a historic responsibility we have to the people under that Mandate." 1:20 Earlier this month, nearly 60 Labour MPs called on David Lammy and the Foreign Office to immediately recognise Palestine as a state in a private letter, but this new call shows how dissatisfied many still are with the government's refusal to change its stance on the issue. Late last night Number 10 released a statement on Gaza calling the situation "unspeakable and indefensible," but a growing number of Labour backbenchers fear it's not enough. In light of a tweet by the French President Emmanuel Macron also sent last night declaring France would recognise a Palestinian state in September at a UN conference, a number of MPs now say Number 10's current position is untenable. "They had said they wanted to be in lockstep with allies, but this means that position won't hold," said one Labour MP. 8:07 Peter Kyle, the technology secretary, this morning defended the government's resistance to calls for immediate UK recognition of a Palestinian state. "We want Palestinian statehood. We desire it, and we want to make sure the circumstances can exist where that kind of long-term political solution can have the space to evolve and make sure that it can become a permanent circumstance that can bring peace to the entire region," he told Sky News. "But right now, today, we've got to focus on what will ease the suffering, and it is extreme, unwarranted suffering in Gaza that has to be the priority for us today." 2:10 An emergency call with Germany and France is scheduled for today to discuss what Sir Keir described as a "human catastrophe" which has "reached new depths". The Foreign Office have maintained they are committed to recognising a Palestinian state but have expressed a willingness to do so only when it will have the "most impact in support of a peace process". They say: "We continue to provide lifesaving aid to support Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, and to work closely in support of the Palestinian Authority." A Downing Street spokesperson also confirmed their position on Palestinian statehood remains unchanged.


Scotsman
38 minutes ago
- Scotsman
The Assassin cast: who are actors in Prime Video series?
Keeley Hawes and Freddie Highmore star in The Assassin 📺 Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... British TV legend Keeley Hawes has a new show on Prime Video. The Line of Duty favourite is returning to the world of thrillers. But who else is in the cast of The Assassin? A thrilling new series starring Keeley Hawes is arriving on Prime Video just in time for the weekend. The Assassin revolves around an estranged mother and son who are forced to go on the run together. The six-part show debuts on the streaming service today (July 25). It was created by the minds behind The Missing and Baptiste, which has me sold on it completely. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Keeley Hawes is not the only big name TV star who will be appearing in The Assassin. Here's all you need to know: When is The Assassin out on Prime Video? Keeley Hawes in The Assassin on Prime Video | Prime Video The six-part series is being released on Amazon's streaming service today (July 25). Viewers don't have to wait to find out what happens - and you can binge it all in one weekend. It is quite the stacked weekend on streaming as the long-awaited sequel to Happy Gilmore is also arriving. If the weather is looking a bit sketchy for you, here are two perfect reasons to stay indoors. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Prime Video usually releases shows at 8am British time. All six episodes of The Assassin will drop at the same time. What to expect from The Assassin? The synopsis via Prime Video reads: 'Secluded on a remote Greek island, retired assassin Julie (Keeley Hawes) has a somewhat thorny reunion with her estranged son, Edward (Freddie Highmore), visiting from England. Armed with questions around new information on his paternity, Edward battles to find the right time to speak to his frustratingly distant mother. 'But, when the moment finally presents itself, things take a deadly turn as Julie's dangerous past catches up with her and they are forced to flee the island and go on the run together.' Who is in the cast of The Assassin? Freddie Highmore in The Assassin | Prime Video As previously mentioned, the show features Keeley Hawes along with Freddie Highmore. He has been more recently seen in American TV including Bates Motel and The Good Doctor - which concluded last year. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad British viewers will likely recognise Hawes from her turn as Lindsay Denton - among many other shows. She was most recently in Miss Austen on BBC earlier in the year. The cast also includes: Gina Gershon, Shalom Brune-Franklin, Jack Davenport, Alan Dale, Gerald Kyd, Devon Terrell, Richard Dormer, David Dencik, Soroush Helali, Mohamed Chahrour and Ali Fardi. If you love TV, check out our Screen Babble podcast to get the latest in TV and film.