Latest news with #LiamÓgÓhAnnaidh
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kneecap Shocks as Expected With Raucous Glastonbury Set: 'The BBC Editor Is Going to Have Some Job'
Kneecap shocked exactly as expected at a raucous Glastonbury set on Saturday. The Irish rap trio has drawn widespread criticism in recent months, with one of the members, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, charged with a terror offence last month. Glastonbury partner, the BBC, stood by their decision to air their set, despite U.K. culture secretary Lisa Nandy's comments that the band 'thrive on the oxygen of publicity.' Nandy said Thursday: 'Personally, I don't want to see that on TV screens.' More from The Hollywood Reporter Karlovy Vary's Karel Och on Mixing RPG Cinematic Debut, Gloomy Auteur Fare and That Iran Film Beatles' Apple Corps Names Tom Greene As New CEO AMC Theatres Strikes Deals to Resolve Litigation, Boost Balance Sheet, Touts Box Office Outlook On Saturday afternoon at Glastonbury's West Holts stage, which was fenced off as they came on due to overcrowding, Ó hAnnaidh told the 30,000-person crowd: 'Glastonbury, I'm a free man!' Clips of newsreaders announcing his terror charge played before the band came on, as well as pro-Palestine messages and videos of various U.K. politicians criticizing the decision to have the band play at the festival. 'The amount of Palestinian flags I can see is insane,' Ó hAnnaidh also said. 'The BBC editor is going to have some job.' The band members continued, discussing Glastonbury founder Michael Eavis and his daughter, who now runs the festival, Emily: 'A big thank you to the Eavis family. The pressure that that family was under and they stood strong,' they said of being allowed to perform, 'Fair play to them.' 'The prime minister of your country didn't want us to play… So fuck Keir Starmer!' The band repeated this sentiment a lot over the course of the one-hour set, getting the audience to chant it back to them. Re-emphasizing their pro-Palestine views, Kneecap was critical of the British and U.S. governments and the U.S. media. In May, the Met Police said it would investigate after online videos showed the band calling for the death of British parliament ministers, as well as chanting 'up Hamas, up Hezbollah.' It is illegal in the U.K. to express support for Hezbollah, a Shia Muslim political and military group in Lebanon, as it is considered a terrorist organization in Britain. Kneecap, which also includes members Naoise Ó Cairealláin and J.J. Ó Dochartaigh, said the video in question has been taken out of context and that they have never supported Hamas or Hezbollah. Ó hAnnaidh is due in a London court in late August. The trio, stars of Rich Peppiatt's 'print the legend' biopic, have also raised eyebrows for expressing their pro-Palestine views on stage. After news of Ó hAnnaidh's charge, the band took to defend themselves. 'This is political policing. This is a carnival of distraction. 14,000 babies are about to die of starvation in Gaza, with food sent by the world sitting on the other side of a wall, and once again, the British establishment is focused on us.' Last year, the movie Kneecap, also starring Michael Fassbender, dominated film headlines. Director Peppiatt made BAFTA history by tying the record for nominations for a debut filmmaker with six. He won one BAFTA — namely for outstanding debut by a British writer, director, or producer — serving as both writer and director of the film. But the group's political views have gotten them into hot water. In April, they displayed messages about the ongoing war in Gaza during their Coachella set, leading to the cancellation of their concerts in Germany. Later, they parted ways with their booking agency Independent Artist Group, sources confirm to The Hollywood Reporter. Glastonbury Festival runs from June 25-29. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Most Anticipated Concert Tours of 2025: Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar & SZA, Sabrina Carpenter and More Hollywood's Most Notable Deaths of 2025 Hollywood's Highest-Profile Harris Endorsements: Taylor Swift, George Clooney, Bruce Springsteen and More
BreakingNews.ie
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- BreakingNews.ie
Bob Vylan and Kneecap face criminal probe as BBC Glastonbury coverage criticised
Kneecap and Bob Vylan are facing criminal police investigations for their performances at Glastonbury Festival as US authorities confirmed the latter group have been banned from entering the country. The BBC also expressed regret at not pulling its livestream of Bob Vylan's 'unacceptable' set, with the Culture Secretary claiming the issue should have been foreseeable and constituted 'a problem of leadership' for the broadcaster. Advertisement Bobby Vylan, one half of the British rap punk duo, led crowds at the festival's West Holts Stage on Saturday in chants of 'Free, free Palestine' and 'Death, death to the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)'. Kneecap performed at Glastonbury straight after Bob Vylan on Saturday (Yui Mok/PA) In their own set on the stage directly afterwards, rap trio Kneecap similarly led chants of 'Free Palestine' while member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, who appeared in court earlier this month charged with a terror offence, wore a keffiyeh during the performance. Fellow member JJ Ó Dochartaigh also wore a T-shirt that said: 'We are all Palestine Action' in reference to the soon-to-be-banned campaign group. Avon and Somerset Police said they had launched a probe on Monday into both performances at the festival after reviewing video footage and audio recordings, with a senior detective appointed to lead it. Advertisement A police spokesman said: 'This has been recorded as a public order incident at this time while our inquiries are at an early stage. 'The investigation will be evidence-led and will closely consider all appropriate legislation, including relating to hate crimes.' US deputy secretary of state Christopher Landau announced that Bob Vylan's US visas had been revoked due to 'their hateful tirade at Glastonbury', with the duo scheduled to tour in Chicago, Brooklyn and Philadelphia in October. The BBC has faced strong criticism for continuing to livestream their performance on iPlayer with on-screen warnings about discriminatory language, leading to broadcasting regulator Ofcom saying it was 'very concerned' by the decision. Advertisement In a statement on Monday, the BBC said: 'Millions of people tuned in to enjoy Glastonbury this weekend across the BBC's output but one performance within our livestreams included comments that were deeply offensive. 'The BBC respects freedom of expression but stands firmly against incitement to violence. 'The antisemitic sentiments expressed by Bob Vylan were utterly unacceptable and have no place on our airwaves. 'We welcome Glastonbury's condemnation of the performance. Advertisement 'The performance was part of a livestream of the West Holts stage on BBC iPlayer. 'The judgment on Saturday to issue a warning on screen while streaming online was in line with our editorial guidelines. 'In addition, we took the decision not to make the performance available on demand. 'The team were dealing with a live situation, but with hindsight we should have pulled the stream during the performance. Advertisement 'We regret this did not happen.' UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the Government was 'exasperated' with the 'lack of account from the leadership' at the BBC during a statement to the Commons on Monday. Addressing a point from Jim Allister, TUV MP for North Antrim, that the livestream was 'an appalling pro-terrorist broadcast', Ms Nandy said: 'He will know that this Government supports the BBC. 'We believe it is an important institution. 'That is why we are so disappointed that this has happened, why we have been so exasperated with the lack of account from the leadership, not just about this, but about a previous Gaza documentary and a number of other issues as well. 'The BBC is one of the most important institutions in our country, and that is the reason why it is held to the highest of standards.' Ms Nandy said the incident had raised 'very, very serious questions at the highest levels of the BBC about the operational oversight and the way in which editorial standards are understood', adding that she wanted to see 'rapid action' from the broadcaster. Glastonbury Festival itself also condemned Bob Vylan's chants, saying it was 'appalled' by what was said on stage. A statement on Instagram said: 'Their chants very much crossed a line and we are urgently reminding everyone involved in the production of the festival that there is no place at Glastonbury for antisemitism, hate speech or incitement to violence.' Bob Vylan, who formed in Ipswich in 2017, have released four albums addressing issues to do with racism, masculinity and class. Bobby Vylan's real name is Pascal Robinson-Foster, 34, according to reports. In a statement posted to Instagram, Vylan said: 'Teaching our children to speak up for the change they want and need is the only way that we make this world a better place. 'As we grow older and our fire starts to possibly dim under the suffocation of adult life and all its responsibilities, it is incredibly important that we encourage and inspire future generations to pick up the torch that was passed to us.' Kneecap have been in the headlines after member Ó hAnnaidh, who performs under the name Mo Chara, was charged with a terror offence. In reference to his bandmate's upcoming court date, Naoise Ó Caireallain told Glastonbury they would 'start a riot outside the courts', before clarifying: 'No riots, just love and support, and support for Palestine.'
Irish Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Times
Kneecap would not face prosecution under new Irish anti-terrorism laws, Minister insists
Rap group Kneecap would not be criminalised under new anti-terrorism legislation being introduced in the Dáil, Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan has reiterated . In the aftermath of the band's high-profile performance at the Glastonbury music festival over the weekend, Mr O'Callaghan said similar UK legislation was 'much broader' and, he believed, would not be enacted by the Oireachtas. Band member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, whose stage name is Mo Chara, has been prosecuted for the alleged display of a Hizbullah flag at a Kneecap concert in London last November. Hizbullah is a proscribed terrorist organisation in the UK. He appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on June 18th. He was also filmed saying 'up Hamas, up Hizbullah'. A further hearing will be held on August 20th. Mr Óg Ó hAnnaidh is contesting the charge. READ MORE Speaking at the launch of the Flac (Free legal advice centres) annual report on Monday, Mr O'Callaghan said the anti-terrorism Bill he introduced in the Dáil last week was 'not legislation that would criminalise Kneecap for what they are being prosecuted for in the UK'. The Minister said he did not get to watch the Glastonbury festival. 'It seems to be making a bit of noise over in the UK,' he said. 'I'm not in the business of commenting on musical or artistic events. They happen every weekend. If I did that, I'd be busy every Monday morning.' At the weekend, the UK's Metropolitan Police confirmed nobody in Kneecap is to be prosecuted over comments at a concert in November 2023, allegedly calling for British Conservative Party members of parliament to be killed. A clip posted on social media allegedly showed an unidentified member of the group saying: 'Kill your local MP. The only good Tory is a dead Tory.' In a statement, the police force said it was dropping the inquiry because the alleged offences happened outside the statutory time limit for prosecution. However a police spokeswoman said the matter was entirely separate from the anti-terrorism charge against Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh. At their Glastonbury appearance, his bandmate Naoise Ó Cairealláin said they would 'start a riot outside the courts', before clarifying: 'No riots, just love and support, and support for Palestine.' Their performance was not live-streamed by the BBC but broadcast later with some edits. Politicians and festival organisers criticised rap duo Bob Vylan who led chants of 'Free, free Palestine' and 'Death, death to the IDF'. Avon and Somerset Police are assessing video evidence to determine whether a criminal investigation is necessary. In the Dáil last week, Mr O'Callaghan introduced the Criminal Justice (Terrorism Offences) (Amendment) Bill which broadens and expands the category of terrorist offences to bring it in line with a 2017 EU directive. It revises the definition of provoking terrorism, stating that the glorification of a terrorist activity, including by praise or celebration, 'may be considered publicly provoking the commission of a terrorist offence'. The Minister insisted, however, that the legislation would not have a 'restrictive impact on protest or freedom of expression', which are protected by the Constitution. Even if people express political opinions 'that are supportive of terrorist activity' they will not be prosecuted. 'You have to be inciting somebody to commit or with the intention of committing terrorist activity,' he said. He said the UK legislation was 'alarmingly wide' and makes it an offence if, in public, a person 'wears, carries or displays an article in such a way or in such circumstances as to arouse reasonable suspicion that he is a member or supporter of a proscribed organisation'. The Irish legislation will also make cyberattacks a terrorist offence, and includes offences for travelling or facilitating travel for the purposes of terrorism and receiving or providing training for terrorism.
Metro
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Kate Nash calls out UK government for 'silencing Irish musicians'
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Kate Nash expressed her interest in collaborating with rap group Kneecap while criticising the UK government for 'silencing Irish musicians.' It comes after the group – made up of Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, Naoise Ó Cairealláin, and JJ Ó Dochartaigh- were at the centre of controversy once again when it was announced the BBC would not broadcast their Glastonbury set live. Kneecap is known for their provocative lyrics as well as staunch activism when it comes to Palestine, and their association with Irish republicanism. Speaking after her own sweary Glastonbury set – in which she took swipes at Sir Rod Stewart, JK Rowling, and Denise Welch, of all people – the Foundations hitmaker expressed her admiration for Kneecap and their advocacy. 'I love Kneecap. I'd love to collaborate. I love collaboration, actually,' she told PA. 'I really, really think collaboration is such an amazing and important part of being an artist, because you just learn every time you collaborate with someone different. 'So I just did a duet with Sprints, because they covered Foundations, and that was really fun.' She continued: 'Kneecap would be amazing to collaborate with. My mum's from Dublin and I think that the way they use their political platform is really important.' Nash went on to say there is something 'significant' about 'the UK government trying to silence Irish musicians.' 'The UK has a history of doing that and I don't think English people really understand the history at all.' She said there is an opportunity to educate people about English and Irish history, and being half Irish, Nash would be keen to see this happen. Kneecap made pro-Palestine statements at Coachella in April this year, causing critics like Sharon Osbourne to slam their set for 'promoting terrorist organisations or spreading hate'. More Trending Soon after, resurfaced footage of a 2024 Kneecap gig in London saw band member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh charged with a terror offence for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah. Though the musician was released on bail, the band has had various performances cancelled, including TRNSMT festival in Glasgow, Hurricane and Southside festivals in Germany, and the Eden Project in Cornwall. Their Glastonbury set on Saturday did go ahead, but the BBC did not broadcast the event live, instead, a cafe owner from Wales took to social media so million could tune in. Kneecap's set was later added to BBC iPlayer to watch on catch-up, while the broadcaster announced Bob Vylan's set would not be made available after the group allegedly led chants of 'free, free Palestine' and 'death to the IDF (Israel Defence Force)' during their time onstage. 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: Bob Vylan Glastonbury set 'should have been pulled from livestream', BBC admits MORE: Iconic DJ marks 100th Glastonbury set by performing with his son MORE: 'Powerful' Glastonbury star heading for number 1 single after emotional set
The Independent
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Independent
Kneecap avoid prosecution over ‘kill your MP' recording
Irish rap group Kneecap will not face charges for comments made in November 2023, where a member allegedly said "Kill your MP," as the statutory time limit for prosecution has expired. This investigation was separate from an ongoing charge against band member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at a gig last year, which he denies. Kneecap has stated they do not support Hamas or Hezbollah and have been vocal campaigners against Israel's military campaign in Gaza. The group performed at Glastonbury Festival, where they led chants against Keir Starmer and for a free Palestine, despite calls from politicians for their removal from the line-up. Avon and Somerset Police are currently assessing footage from Kneecap's and another act's Glastonbury performances to determine if any offences were committed.
