Irish Rap Group Kneecap Cancels Sold-Out U.S. Tour Amid Terror Charges
Irish hip-hop trio Kneecap has canceled its sold-out U.S. tour after a member was charged with a terrorism offense for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag. The band, which has been vocal in its pro-Palestinian activism, called the UK case a "witch hunt," while critics point to their inflammatory rhetoric.
The Irish hip-hop trio Kneecap has canceled its sold-out 15-date U.S. tour scheduled for October 2025, citing the proximity of a court hearing in London involving band member Mo Chara. The announcement, made via social media and reported by Pitchfork and Variety, comes as the group faces a terrorism-related charge in the United Kingdom, thrusting the band into a legal and political spotlight.
The cancellation stems from a charge against Mo Chara (Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh) for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag during a 2024 concert, an act prohibited under UK terrorism laws. The band, known for its provocative stance on the Israel-Hamas war, highlighted by their April 2024 Coachella performance criticizing Israel’s actions in Gaza, called the case a “witch hunt” in their statement.
Chara’s next court date is set for Sept. 25, 2025, and he was granted unconditional bail last month. Kneecap has since clarified it does not support Hezbollah or Hamas, both banned organizations in the UK. Unfortunately, it seems they were just saying what they felt they had to, because when you scroll through their X posts, it seems that they are very much in favor of terrorists.
The group expressed regret over canceling the fully booked tour, promising a larger U.S. tour if they prevail in court. Despite the U.S. cancellations, four Canadian dates, in Toronto and Vancouver and European shows will proceed. The band’s statement also teased a “special surprise” for American fans.
The decision follows earlier cancellations, including a July 4, 2025, Eden Sessions show, amid ongoing legal scrutiny. Kneecap has described the UK charges as “political policing,” a stance echoed by some supporters who see it as retaliation for their pro-Palestinian activism. Critics, however, point to the group’s inflammatory rhetoric, including alleged calls for the deaths of MPs, as justification for the legal action.
The Israel-Hamas war, ongoing since October 2023, provides context for the band’s stance, which has polarized audiences. Their Coachella comments drew a “malicious” backlash, they claimed, amid a divisive U.S. response to the Gaza war.