Downing Street has rejected an apology from the Belfast rap group Kneecap after the trio faced backlash for allegedly inciting violence against politicians during a concert. The controversy erupted following a November 2023 performance where a member of the group reportedly shouted, "The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP." This statement has drawn severe criticism, particularly from the families of murdered MPs Jo Cox and Sir David Amess, who were both victims of politically motivated violence.
In a statement posted on social media, Kneecap expressed regret to the families, stating, "To the Amess and Cox families, we send our heartfelt apologies, we never intended to cause you hurt." However, they also claimed that their comments had been "taken out of all context" and suggested that the backlash was part of a coordinated smear campaign against them.
Brendan Cox, the husband of Jo Cox, who was murdered in 2016, responded to the band's apology by calling it "only half an apology." He emphasized that while it was good they apologized, their assertion of being misinterpreted undermined the seriousness of their comments. "It wasn’t a throwaway remark. It was part of a conversation that they were having about politics, and it was a very clear incitement to violence," he stated.
Jo Cox was brutally killed by far-right extremist Thomas Mair, and Sir David Amess was murdered in 2021 by Ali Harbi Ali, a British Islamic State sympathizer. The gravity of these incidents has heightened sensitivities around political rhetoric, making the band's comments particularly incendiary.
The Prime Minister's official spokesman labeled Kneecap's apology as "half-hearted," asserting that the comments made by the group were completely unacceptable and should be condemned unequivocally. "We completely reject in the strongest possible terms the comments that they've made, particularly in relation to MPs and intimidation as well as obviously the situation in the Middle East," the spokesman said.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper also condemned the remarks, calling them a "total disgrace," and urged all parties involved in organizing events featuring Kneecap to consider the implications of allowing the group to perform. Cooper stated, "What they're reported to have said is a total disgrace. It’s dangerous and irresponsible to say these sorts of things."
In the House of Commons, Tory MP Mark Francois criticized the group, referring to their apology as "crocodile tears" and calling for them to be barred from performing at the upcoming Glastonbury Festival. Security Minister Dan Jarvis echoed this sentiment, urging festival organizers to think carefully about the decision to include Kneecap in the lineup.
The controversy surrounding Kneecap has drawn attention not only to their comments but also to their performances at major festivals, including Coachella, where they concluded their set with pro-Palestinian messages. Following these performances, television personality Sharon Osbourne called for the group's U.S. work visas to be revoked, stating that their political statements were aggressive and inappropriate.
Kneecap, consisting of members Liam Óg Ó Hannaidh, Naoise Ó Cairealláin, and JJ Ó Dochartaigh, have defended their right to express political views through their music. In their statement, they emphasized that their message is one of love, inclusion, and hope, arguing that their music resonates with diverse audiences. They also insisted that they do not support Hamas or Hezbollah, both of which are banned terrorist organizations in the UK.
The Jo Cox Foundation, established in memory of the late MP, has condemned Kneecap's comments, stating that they cross a line by inciting violence against elected representatives. Will Fletcher, the interim chief executive of the foundation, remarked, "When the line is crossed into abusing or inciting violence towards elected representatives, our democracy is weakened."
Katie Amess, daughter of Sir David Amess, expressed her disbelief at the remarks made by Kneecap, stating, "It is just beyond belief that human beings would speak like that in this day and age, and it is extremely dangerous."
As the Metropolitan Police assess the footage from the controversial concerts, there are calls for prosecution against Kneecap for their inflammatory remarks. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has urged for serious action against the group, emphasizing that their anti-British rhetoric has no place in society.
In the wake of these events, the music industry faces scrutiny regarding the responsibility of artists and the impact of their words. The ongoing discourse highlights the delicate balance between artistic expression and the potential consequences of inciting violence through provocative language.
As Kneecap prepares for upcoming performances, including at Glastonbury, the debate over their inclusion continues to intensify. The controversy serves as a reminder of the responsibilities artists hold in their public statements and the potential ramifications of their words in a politically charged environment.
