Members of the hip-hop group Kneecap have lost their U.S. work visas after parting ways with their booking agents, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Newsweek has contacted the group’s manager and former booking agent Independent Artist Group (IAG) for comment.
What To Know
Kneecap are reportedly in the process of securing a new sponsor to facilitate the renewal of their U.S. visas ahead of their North American tour in October, which has already sold out.
This comes following Kneecap’s performance at the Coachella music festival in California earlier this month, which has mired the group in an international controversy.
Who Are Kneecap?
Kneecap are a hip hop group from Belfast, Northern Ireland, known for their outspoken Irish nationalist and republican views. The group consists of Liam Og O’Hannaidh, Naoise O’Caireallain, and JJ O’Dochartaigh.
Their music, often in Irish Gaelic, combines rap and punk with political activism, frequently addressing issues like Irish unification and resistance to British rule. With a history of provocative lyrics, they challenge political authority and highlight social injustices.
What Have Kneecap Said About Israel?
Kneecap have been a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause, using their platform to condemn Israeli actions and call for solidarity with the Palestinian people.
During their Coachella performance, Kneecap displayed messages reading, “Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people”, “It is being enabled by the US government who arm and fund Israel despite their war crimes” and “F*** Israel. Free Palestine.”
One member, who is known as Mo Chara, said at Coachella: “The Palestinians have nowhere to go. It’s their f***ing home and they’re bombing them from the skies. If you’re not calling it a genocide, what the fuck are you calling it?”
Have Kneecap Had Their U.S. Visas Revoked?
The visas previously held by the band members are no longer valid after the group was dropped by its former sponsor and booking agent, IAG, according to a report by The Hollywood Reporter.
U.S. booking agencies often act as visa sponsors for international artists, and if their partnership with an artist concludes, the sponsorship is typically revoked as well.
If IAG is no longer sponsoring the band’s U.S. work visas, this raises questions about Kneecap’s ability to perform in the U.S. The trio’s U.S. performances had previously been permitted under work visas granted through sponsorship by approved organizations, such as IAG or other booking agents and industry companies.
The visas were set to expire later this year between Coachella and the band’s next US appearances, according to the PA News Agency.
A U.S. State Department official refused to comment on the specific case when approached by Newsweek.
After their Coachella performance, former X Factor judge Sharon Osbourne called for their U.S. work visas to be revoked.
The Trump administration has cracked down on pro-Palestinian supporters and revoked visas for green card holders and legal permanent residents such as student activist Mahmoud Khalil.
UK Investigation Into Kneecap
Footage of the rap group allegedly calling for the death of British MPs is currently under review by counter-terrorism police in the UK.
The video, taken at a November 2023 concert in west Belfast, appears to show a band member shouting, “The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.”
The Metropolitan Police have also confirmed that another video, from November last year, is being assessed. This footage seems to show a band member chanting “up Hamas, up Hezbollah” during a performance in London.
Kneecap has responded on social media, claiming they have been the target of a “coordinated smear campaign.”
In the November 2024 video, a band member seems to shout “up Hamas, up Hezbollah,” referring to groups that are designated as terrorist organizations in the UK.
What People Are Saying
Kneecap said in a statement: “Since our statements at Coachella — exposing the ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people — we have faced a coordinated smear campaign. For over a year, we have used our shows to call out the British and Irish governments’ complicity in war crimes. The recent attacks against us, largely emanating from the US, are based on deliberate distortions and falsehoods. We are taking action against several of these malicious efforts.”
Kneecap’s manager Daniel Lambert told RTÉ: “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.”
Osbourne wrote on X: “As someone of both Irish Catholic on my mother’s side and Ashkenazi Jewish heritage on her father’s side and extensive experience in the music industry, I understand the complexities involved.
“I urge you to join me in advocating for the revocation of Kneecap’s work visa.”
What Happens Next
The group’s next U.S. tour will begin in October. It is possible that the U.S. government could reject their visa applications.
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