Kneecap Parts Ways With IAG Amid Pro-Palestine Controversy

Irish hip-hop group Kneecap has parted ways with its US booking agency, Independent Artist Group (IAG), following controversy over their pro-Palestine and anti-Israel messages displayed during their Coachella performances. The split occurred between Coachella's first and second weekends, after the group's onstage projection accused Israel of genocide in Gaza and criticized US support for Israel, prompting significant backlash from music industry figures and Jewish groups. Kneecap claimed that their pro-Palestine messages were censored from the festival’s official livestream, and their subsequent set was not broadcast, though images circulated widely online. High-profile critics, including Sharon Osbourne, called for the revocation of the band's US work visas, while organizations like the Creative Community for Peace condemned Coachella organizers for allowing the performance. In response, Kneecap defended their stance, clarifying that their criticism targets the Israeli government’s actions, not ordinary people, and asserting the importance of using their platform to raise awareness about Gaza. Despite the controversy and split from IAG, Kneecap's North American tour remains nearly sold out, with strong ticket demand.