Tue Apr 22 09:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Coachella Controversy: Irish Band Kneecap’s Anti-Israel Message Sparks Outrage

**Indio, CA** – The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is facing backlash after Irish hip-hop group Kneecap delivered a strongly anti-Israel performance during weekend two. The band’s set, which included on-screen messages denouncing Israel, calls to “free Palestine,” and condemnation of US military support for Israel, has ignited outrage among Jewish groups.

Kneecap’s performance, in the Sonora tent, featured explicit language and visuals referencing genocide. The band subsequently shared videos of their set on social media, urging American youth to send the clips to former President Trump.

Goldenvoice, the festival promoter and a subsidiary of AEG, reportedly was unaware of the planned message. Sources claim CEO Paul Tollett was “blindsided” by the band’s actions. Scooter Braun, in an Instagram post, highlighted Tollett’s involvement in memorializing victims of the October 2023 Nova Music Festival attacks in Israel, suggesting a contrast between Tollett’s actions and the band’s message. The Sonora tent’s lack of livestreaming for weekend two performances has fueled speculation of intentional omission.

The Creative Community for Peace (CCFP), a non-profit organization, contacted Goldenvoice and AEG prior to the performance, urging them to cancel Kneecap’s appearance due to the band’s past support for Hamas and Hezbollah. CCFP’s Executive Director Ari Ingel called for a boycott of the band and revocation of their visas, condemning the festival for providing a platform for what he termed “hate speech.” The Nova Community also issued a statement expressing hurt and pain, and inviting the band to engage with survivors of the October attacks.

Kneecap, known for their politically charged lyrics and association with Irish Republicanism, previously claimed Coachella censored their pro-Palestine messages in week one. However, their weekend two performance amplified their message significantly.

The band achieved wider recognition through their eponymous biopic, which premiered at Sundance and received several award nominations. Despite their controversial views, their music career continues to garner attention. AEG has yet to publicly comment on the incident.

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