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Belfast-based rap trio Kneecap has expressed remorse to the families of murdered Members of Parliament, Sir David Amess and Jo Cox, following controversy over a concert performance.
The group issued an official statement on X after a video surfaced from their November 2023 concert, in which a member seemingly promotes violence against politicians, stating: “The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.” This footage has prompted an investigation by counter-terrorism police, with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch advocating for legal action.
Comments from a spokesperson for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer highlighted a disdain for any such declarations linked to government funding.
Katie Amess, daughter of Sir David Amess, has expressed a willingness to engage with the group for discussion. In her statement, she voiced her shock at the reckless nature of the group’s remarks, describing them as “dangerous, violent rhetoric.” Earlier, Kneecap clarified their position, stating they “reject any suggestion that we would seek to incite violence against any MP or individual. Ever.” They further claimed that the excerpt was taken “out of all context” and misrepresented as a call to action.
Jo Cox was murdered in June 2016, a tragic event that underscores the potential consequences of inflammatory speech. Sir David Amess, similarly, was stabbed to death during a constituency meeting in 2021. In light of this, public figures have emphasized the need for accountability regarding the group’s statements. Katie Amess reinforced the public’s expectations for artists who command an audience to exhibit responsibility in their words.
Clarifications on Alleged Support
The Metropolitan Police are currently examining another video from last November, in which a band member reportedly shouts, “up Hamas, up Hezbollah.” In response to the backlash, Kneecap stated unequivocally: “We do not, and have never, supported Hamas or Hezbollah. We condemn all attacks on civilians, always. It is never okay. We know this more than anyone, given our nation’s history.” Both of these groups are deemed illegal in the UK.
Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Micháel Martin has urged the group to clarify their comments, while DUP leader Gavin Robinson criticized their rhetoric as a “hatefest.” He labeled the band’s actions as “appalling and outrageous,” calling for collective political action against their statements.
Alliance MLA Sian Mulholland contended that the group had crossed the line between artistic expression and incitement to violence. First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney, echoed these concerns, supporting demands for Kneecap to be removed from the lineup of Glasgow’s TRNSMT music festival due to their controversial remarks.
Calls for Kneecap’s removal from other festivals, including Glastonbury, have emerged. Labour MP David Taylor articulated his concern to festival co-organizer Sir Michael Eavis, describing it as “deeply troubling” to see the band perform. Jim Allister, North Antrim MP, has also reached out to Glastonbury organizers urging them to exclude the band.
A spokesperson from the BBC indicated that the institution remains committed to maintaining editorial integrity during its extensive music coverage of events such as Glastonbury, and will consider all output in adherence to its guidelines.
As it stands, none of Kneecap’s members have faced any criminal charges relating to the contentious remarks.
Source
www.bbc.com