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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Entertainment
Dee Jefferson

Kneecap say ‘statements aren’t aggressive’ after denouncing Israel at Coachella

Kneecap member DJ Próvaí performs during the 2025 Coachella festival on 11 April.
Kneecap member DJ Próvaí performs during the 2025 Coachella festival on 11 April. Photograph: Valérie Macon/AFP/Getty Images

Irish-language rap group Kneecap have responded to criticism of statements they made about Israel during their Coachella performance on the weekend, saying that statements are “not aggressive” in comparison to Israel’s attacks on Gaza.

During their second set at the Coachella music festival in California on 18 April, the rap group, known for their political performances and support of Palestine, led the crowd in chants of “free, free Palestine”. Messages displayed on the stage’s screens during their set read: “Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people” and “It is being enabled by the US government who arm and fund Israel despite their war crimes.” Another read: “Fuck Israel. Free Palestine.”

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