Kneecap have been banned from Hungary for 3 years, authorities spokesman Zoltan Kovacs shared on X. Kovacs claimed that the Irish rappers have “repeatedly have interaction in antisemitic hate speech supporting terrorism and terrorist teams.” He additionally mentioned that the trio’s deliberate efficiency at Budapest’s Sziget Festival “posed a nationwide safety risk.”
Kneecap responded to the ban with a statement shared on social media. They apologized to followers who had anticipated seeing them at Sziget, and so they additionally criticized Hungary’s prime minister, Viktor Orban, for not too long ago hosting Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, for a go to.
“There is no such thing as a authorized foundation for his actions, no member of Kneecap has ever been convicted of any crime in any nation,” the band wrote. “We stand in opposition to all ahte crimes and Kneecap champions love and solidarity in addition to calling out injustices the place we see it.”
Kneecap additionally referred to as the ban a “political distraction and an additional try to silence those that name out genocide in opposition to the Palestinian individuals.”
Sziget representatives called the ban “an unprecedented transfer which we imagine is each pointless and regrettable.” Additionally they wrote, “Following issues raised by Authorities and stress teams throughout Hungary over the previous weeks on the prospect of Kneecap performing, now we have liaised intently with the band and so they reassured us that their efficiency wouldn’t contravene both Sziget’s values or Hungarian legislation.”
The representatives continued, “Sziget Competition‘s values imply we condemn hate speech, whereas guaranteeing the elemental proper to inventive freedom of expression for each performer. Cancel tradition and cultural boycotts aren’t the answer.”
Kneecap, who had been on account of carry out on Sziget’s remaining day, Monday, August 11, have confronted elevated scrutiny over their stance on Israel amid the nation’s ongoing assault of Gaza. One of many group’s members, Mo Chara, was charged with a terror offense in London allegedly displaying the Hezbollah flag throughout a 2024 live performance. Chara was granted unconditional bail at a court docket look final month, and Kneecap have said they don’t assist Hezbollah or Hamas.
Following the cost in opposition to Chara, Kneecap have been removed from Scotland’s TRNSMT music competition “on account of issues expressed by the Police about security on the occasion.” Kneecap have been later investigated by police over their Glastonbury efficiency, however no costs have been filed.
