Irish rappers Kneecap have denied supporting Hamas and Hezbollah and apologized to the families of two slain U.K. lawmakers after remarks that sparked anger.
Irish rappers Kneecap have denied supporting Hamas and Hezbollah and publicly apologized to the families of two murdered British lawmakers as the hip-hop trio continue to face public backlash for political views they’ve expressed at their concerts.
« Let us be unequivocal: we do not, and have never, supported Hamas or Hezbollah. We condemn all attacks on civilians, always. It is never okay », the band said in a statement posted Monday on social media.
Kneecap’s statement came after U.K. police said that they were investigating video related to a Kneecap concert from 2024 in which one of the band’s members appears to shout, « up Hamas, up Hezbollah. »
Hamas and Hezbollah, both currently engaged in fighting with Israel, are designated as terrorist groups by the U.S., Israel and European Union.
The British and Irish governments have roundly condemned the language used by the Kneecap members.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, the Republic of Ireland’s leader Micheál Martin said that support for Hamas or Hezbollah is « unacceptable » and asked Kneecap to urgently clarify their views.
