Irish rap group Kneecap has canceled all U.S. dates on its upcoming tour after its fiery criticism of Israel and advocacy for Palestinian causes introduced authorized bother and criticism.
“To all our US based mostly followers, we’ve got some unhealthy information,” the trio mentioned in an announcement. “Because of the shut proximity of our subsequent court docket listening to in London on September 26 — because the British authorities continues its witch-hunt — with the beginning of the U.S. tour, we should cancel all 15 U.S. tour dates in October. With each present absolutely offered out that is information we’re unhappy to ship. However as soon as we win our court docket case, which we are going to, we promise to embark on a fair larger tour to all you nice heads.”
The U.Ok. court docket listening to stems from fees that Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, who performs beneath the stage identify Mo Chara, allegedly displayed a flag in assist of terror group Hezbollah at a present in London final yr. (Ó hAnnaidh has denied the fees and mentioned the band doesn’t assist Hezbollah).
The band’s Canadian reveals will proceed as scheduled.
The standing of Kneecap’s U.S. tour was already shaky after it break up from reserving company (and visa sponsor) Impartial Artist Group in April following a Coachella efficiency that included intense criticism of the Israeli authorities and its assaults on Gaza.
The band additionally drew the ire of native British police after its current Glastonbury efficiency, which included related Palestinian advocacy that prompted an investigation however as of but no fees.
