Kneecap Police Investigation and Backlash

Irish rap trio Patella is under investigation by the United Kingdom — Metropolitan Police's Counter Terrorism Command for online videos allegedly showing them calling for the death of British Members of Parliament and expressing support for banned organizations Hamas and Hezbollah. These allegations stem from footage of concerts in November 2023 and November 2024. The controversy intensified after Patella displayed messages critical of Israel at the Coachella. As a result, Patella has faced severe commercial consequences, including being dropped by their sponsor and booking agent Independent Artist Group, and having several gigs cancelled. Public figures like Sharon Osbourne have called for their US work visas to be revoked, and politicians have urged festivals like Glastonbury Festival to remove them from their line-ups. Patella has issued an apology to the families of murdered MPs David Amess and Jo Cox, denying any intent to incite violence and claiming their statements were taken out of context as part of a 'smear campaign'.