Unsurprisingly, the show prompted lots of criticism, like handwringing on Fox News and denunciation from pro-Israel Jewish activist groups. On social media, Sharon Osbourne lambasted Coachella for compromising its “moral and spiritual integrity” and the band for “incorporating aggressive political statements” into their act. She concluded her lengthy missive (in which she accused the band of “openly [supporting] terrorist organizations”) by urging her followers “to join me in advocating for the revocation of Kneecap’s work visa.” Asked by the BBC News Northern Ireland for a response, the band replied, “Statements aren’t aggressive, murdering 20,000 children is though.”
Politics are inextricable from Kneecap’s work; as depicted in the award-winning comedic origin story film of the same name, the group’s use of Irish language lyrics and support for a united Ireland made them inherently controversial. Like many Irish people (particularly republican-leaning citizens of the U.K.-controlled six counties), the members of Kneecap have long identified with and advocated for the plight of the Palestinian people, so their Coachella messaging was nothing new. But being perhaps the largest stage of their career so far, it did prompt “hundreds of violent Zionist threats,” Kneecap wrote on social media.
In an interview with Irish radio broadcaster RTÉ, Kneecap’s manager Daniel Lambert commended his clients for taking a stand “despite the fact it may harm their careers, and their income.” “To the band’s massive credit, there’s three young working-class people here who have built a career for themselves, on the basis of the Irish language, music, culture and identity. They have the bravery and conviction, especially where they’ve come from in a post-conflict society, to stand up for what’s right,” he said. “If somebody is hurt by the truth, that’s something for them to be hurt by, but it’s really important to speak truth. Thankfully the lads are not afraid to do that.”
“Why aren’t we talking about the opinion of Omar Bartov, an Israeli-American genocide expert, who concludes that Israel are committing genocide?” Lambert questioned about criticism of the group’s set. “Why should we care what Sharon Osbourne thinks? I certainly don’t.”
