Irish rap group Kneecap have responded defiantly after TV personality and music manager Sharon Osbourne publicly called for their US work visas to be revoked following a politically charged performance at Coachella 2025.
During their set on April 18, the West Belfast trio ended their performance with bold pro-Palestinian messages, projecting phrases such as: “Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people” and “[Expletive] Israel. Free Palestine.”
The US State Department has since issued a general statement, noting that visa revocation decisions are based on national security, criminal conduct, or breaches of visa terms—but did not comment on Kneecap’s specific case.
Sharon Osbourne’s Response
Osbourne criticized the band’s use of political projections and chants, calling them “aggressive” and accusing them of supporting terrorist organizations. She also criticized Coachella’s organizers, Goldenvoice, for allegedly failing to vet the band properly.
“Reports indicate that Goldenvoice was unaware of Kneecap’s political intentions when they were booked,” she wrote. “Their continued presence at Coachella suggests support of their rhetoric.”
Kneecap Responds
Asked by BBC News NI to comment, Kneecap replied pointedly: “Statements aren’t aggressive. Murdering 20,000 children is though.” The remark referred to casualty estimates in the ongoing Gaza conflict, citing figures from the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza.
Member Mo Chara wore a keffiyeh scarf on stage—an iconic symbol of Palestinian solidarity—while telling the crowd: “The Irish not so long ago were persecuted at the hands of the Brits, but we were never bombed from the skies with nowhere to go. The Palestinians have nowhere to go.”
Ongoing Tour Plans
Despite calls for action against the group, Kneecap are set to continue their North American tour, with performances scheduled in the US and Canada in the coming months. The State Department has not indicated whether any action will be taken.
Background: Coachella and Political Expression
This is not the first time Kneecap has used its platform for political expression. The group has previously led anti-Margaret Thatcher chants and called for a united Ireland during the first weekend of Coachella—another moment omitted from the festival’s official livestream.
Their activism is in line with their roots in Northern Ireland’s complex political landscape, often drawing parallels between the Irish struggle and other global movements.
Category: Music News, Politics, World News, Entertainment, Culture
Tags: Kneecap, Coachella, Sharon Osbourne, Palestine protest, US visa revocation, political music, Mo Chara, hip-hop activism, Gaza conflict, Israel-Palestine, Free Palestine
