Coachella Promoter “Blindsided” by Anti-Israel Rhetoric from Band Kneecap

A concert promoter involved with the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is reportedly taken by surprise by anti-Israel statements made by Irish hip-hop group Kneecap during their performance on Friday, as per Fox News.

During their set at the Sonora tent, Kneecap called to “free Palestine” and used offensive language towards Israel. They also referenced genocide and condemned the US military’s support of Israel, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The Hollywood Reporter noted that Kneecap promoted their “uncensored messaging” on social media following their Coachella set, urging young Americans to send clips of their performance to former President Donald Trump, using a derogatory term.

Kneecap had previously claimed censorship after pushing anti-Margaret Thatcher chants and anti-Israel sentiments during their first Coachella show. Their microphone was allegedly cut off before the end of their set.

Despite this, the band amplified their anti-Israel message during their second performance, drawing criticism from the Jewish community. Sonora, a venue usually reserved for punk artists, reportedly opted not to livestream Kneecap’s second set, anticipating further controversial statements.

Formed in Belfast, Northern Ireland in 2017, Kneecap is known for its politically charged lyrics and advocacy for Irish independence from British rule. However, Goldenvoice, the company promoting Coachella, was reportedly shocked by Kneecap’s remarks, with Jewish groups reaching out to express their concerns.

The Hollywood Reporter cited sources as saying that Goldenvoice CEO Paul Tollett was “blindsided.” Music manager Scooter Braun defended Tollett following the backlash against Kneecap’s performance.

“Paul is a good man and has been an outspoken advocate on behalf of survivors of the Nova Music Festival,” Braun wrote on his Instagram on Sunday, referencing the music festival where hundreds were killed by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023.

Braun further noted that Tollett had attended a Los Angeles memorial exhibit Braun created to honor the victims of the attack.

Coachella has a history of hosting politically charged performances. In the past, Green Day lead singer Billy Joe Armstrong has altered lyrics to criticize President Donald Trump, and Senator Bernie Sanders has appeared on stage to speak out against the Trump administration.