Kneecap set to take Glastonbury stage despite Starmer's fierce objection
Despite widespread condemnation, the BBC has decided to go ahead and broadcast the band's performance.
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Israel-hating, antisemitic rap group Kneecap is set to perform at the Glastonbury Festival this weekend, sparking fierce criticism from politicians, Jewish leaders, and concerned citizens.
Despite Prime Minister Keir Starmer publicly calling the appearance “inappropriate,” the BBC, one of the festival’s key media partners, has refused to distance itself from the group, drawing accusations that the broadcaster is turning a blind eye to hate speech and antisemitic incitement.
The BBC has issued a statement regarding whether it will air Irish hip-hop trio Kneecap’s scheduled performance at this week’s Glastonbury Festival.
Kneecap is set to perform on the West Holts stage at Worthy Farm on Saturday, June 28, at 4 pm, despite objections from public figures including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who called their appearance “not appropriate.”
Last month, band member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, 27, was charged with a terrorism offence after allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag during a London show last year. The band, known for their outspoken criticism of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, have dismissed the charge as a “distraction.”
A BBC spokesperson, whose network will broadcast over 90 hours of live coverage from Glastonbury’s five main stages, told The Independent: “As the broadcast partner, the BBC will be bringing audiences extensive music coverage from Glastonbury, with artists booked by the festival organisers.”