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Sharon Osbourne recently expressed her criticism of the Northern Irish hip-hop group Kneecap, particularly regarding the controversial themes highlighted in their performance at Coachella. Her comments included a call for the revocation of their work visas in the United States.
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Osbourne took to social media on April 22, shortly after Kneecap’s performance during Coachella’s second weekend, to voice her concerns. The band’s set on April 18 became a focal point due to their strong rhetoric against Israel, reportedly claiming that their original messaging was censored during their initial weekend appearance.
The group’s projections during their performance conveyed messages declaring, “Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people,” attributing complicity to the U.S. government for its support of Israel amidst allegations of war crimes.
Kneecap’s performance was not an isolated incident regarding political statements at this year’s festival. Other artists, such as Green Day and Bob Vylan, also incorporated pro-Palestinian sentiments. Green Day altered certain lyrics to emphasize the experiences of Palestinian youth, while Blonde Redhead visually supported the cause by displaying Palestinian flags during their performance, which featured audio of Mahmoud Khalil, a detained Columbia University student.
In response to what she perceives as the politicization of Coachella, Osbourne criticized the festival’s management for allowing such expressions on a stage that, in her view, should prioritize entertainment over political discourse. “This year’s festival will be recalled as a time when its moral and spiritual integrity was compromised,” she stated.
Osbourne further emphasized that while the Coachella platform is intended to celebrate artistic talent, it should not be misused for promoting divisive political statements or ideologies. She expressed disappointment particularly regarding Green Day, suggesting that their political messages might be better suited to their own shows rather than a wider festival audience.
Regarding Kneecap, Osbourne called for a collective effort to oppose their participation in the festival circuit in the U.S., labeling their expressions as hate speech, and asserting that their advocacy for terrorist organizations raises serious questions about their suitability to perform at such events.
She argued that Goldenvoice, the festival’s organizer, should have exercised due diligence in verifying the band’s intentions prior to booking them, particularly since they were reportedly unaware of Kneecap’s political motives when the group was initially secured for the lineup. Osbourne pointed out that allowing them to perform again seemed to endorse their controversial views.
After the performance, Paul Tollett, CEO of Goldenvoice, claimed he was caught off guard by the band’s message. Nevertheless, Osbourne contested this, stating that industry insiders had previously voiced concerns about Kneecap. She noted that even those who represent the group have connections to the Jewish community, adding to the complexity of the situation.
Kneecap has not publicly addressed Osbourne’s criticism directly. Instead, they have shared positive feedback received from fans following their Coachella performances. The group is also scheduled to return to North America for more shows this October.
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