Irish hip-hop trio Kneecap canceled its entire 15-date U.S. tour on Monday ahead of a court date in the U.K. regarding a terrorism charge against one of its members. The group known for its anti-Israel and pro-Palestine views referred to the case as a “witch hunt” in a press release.
Kneecap rapper Mo Chara, born Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, is accused of chanting “up Hamas, up Hezbollah” at a November 2024 concert in London while draped in a flag of Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group actively engaged in conflict with Israel since October 2023. The British government has labeled Hezbollah a terrorist organization, and under the U.K.’s Terrorism Act 2000, supporting such an organization is punishable by up to 14 years in prison. A chief magistrate said he will decide on September 26th whether Mo Chara will stand trial.
“Due to the close proximity of our next court hearing in London on September 26 – as the British government continues its witch-hunt – with the start of the U.S. tour, we will have to cancel all 15 U.S. tour dates in October,” the group wrote. “With every show fully sold out this is news we are sad to deliver. But once we win our court case, which we will, we promise to embark on an even bigger tour to all you great heads.”
Kneecap was due to begin its U.S. tour on October 1st with a sold-out show at New York City’s Rooftop at Pier 17. The group’s sold-out Canadian shows in Toronto, ON (10/15, 10/17) and Vancouver, BC (10/22, 10/23) will go on as planned.
“We also have some good news,” the group added. “We will be sharing something very special for US fans next week so that we can still link in with you all in October. It’s top secret for now but all will be revealed next week – stay tuned.”
Kneecap faced international backlash following the group’s performance at Coachella in April for displaying messages accusing Israel of genocide and the U.S. of supporting it. Following the group’s set, a video of the November 2024 appearance surfaced on social media, and English authorities began their investigation. The New York Times reports that Kneecap lost its visa sponsor following the Coachella incident, and it is unclear whether the trio secured new visas.