Kneecap Gigs Cancelled in Germany Amid Controversy

Several concerts by the Belfast rap group Kneecap in Germany and the UK have been cancelled following backlash over footage showing a band member allegedly calling for MPs to be killed and expressing support for Hamas and Hezbollah. The controversy, which intensified after their pro-Palestinian statements at Coachella, has prompted counter-terrorism police to assess the footage and led politicians to call for Kneecap’s removal from upcoming festivals, including Glastonbury. The band has apologized to the families of murdered MPs and condemned all attacks on civilians, insisting their comments were taken out of context and rejecting claims they support violence or terrorist organizations. Kneecap and their management argue that the cancellations are part of a coordinated campaign to suppress artists speaking about Palestine, describing the reaction as 'moral hysteria' and a 'smear campaign.' Despite cancellations, the group maintains their message is one of love and inclusion and stands by their activism. Refunds are being issued for cancelled events, and the band remains scheduled to support Fontaines DC in Belfast, though local officials are reconsidering the show's viability.