Showbiz News
-
-
-
Loading
Loading
A political storm is brewing around this year’s Glastonbury Festival as pressure mounts to remove controversial Irish rap group Kneecap from the line-up, following accusations of inflammatory comments made about Hamas and UK Conservative MPs.
The Belfast-based trio, known for their provocative lyrics and unapologetically political stance, have drawn sharp criticism from several MPs who are now urging festival organisers to pull the act from the bill. The backlash comes after recent statements made by the group that many are calling “deeply irresponsible” and “alarming.”
Kneecap are scheduled to perform alongside major international names including The 1975 and pop star Olivia Rodrigo at the iconic Somerset event, which kicks off this June. However, their inclusion has sparked a fierce debate, with critics arguing that their rhetoric crosses the line from rebellious artistry into dangerous territory.
In particular, politicians have condemned remarks made by the group which they claim express support for the terrorist group Hamas, as well as public comments attacking members of the UK’s Conservative Party. While Kneecap are no strangers to controversy, their music regularly tackles issues like nationalism, colonialism, and police brutality, the latest uproar has reached a new level, prompting calls for their immediate removal from the festival.
“This is not about free speech or artistic expression,” one Tory MP told reporters. “This is about platforming a group that glorifies extremism and promotes hate. Glastonbury should not be giving them a global stage.”
Glastonbury organisers have so far declined to comment on the matter, but the growing political pressure could force a rethink. The festival, known for its progressive values and history of activism, has previously hosted acts with strong political messages, but has also faced criticism for where those lines are drawn.
Supporters of the group argue that Kneecap are being unfairly targeted for speaking uncomfortable truths about the political landscape, particularly in Northern Ireland. “They’re raw, they’re real, and they speak to a generation that feels ignored,” one fan commented online.
Whether the band will remain on the line-up remains to be seen, but with the festival only weeks away and the controversy showing no signs of cooling down, organisers are facing tough questions about freedom of expression, artistic boundaries, and public responsibility.
As the row continues to escalate, all eyes are now on Glastonbury to see how they’ll respond, and whether the show will go on for one of the most divisive acts in its line-up.
