Authorities respond to complaints over politically charged on-stage remarks.
Photo credit: Kneecap – Facebook
Irish rap group Kneecap are facing a criminal investigation following their performance at Glastonbury Festival last weekend. Avon and Somerset Police confirmed that a senior detective has been appointed to review the case as a public order incident, after receiving numerous complaints about comments made during the group’s set on the West Holts stage.
Kneecap’s appearance followed efforts to remove the group from the lineup, including a leaked letter signed by music industry figures. Festival co-organiser Emily Eavis defended the decision, stating: “Everyone is welcome here.” On stage, the group addressed political criticism, thanked Eavis for her support, and opened with global media coverage referencing their controversial presence, including footage of Sharon Osbourne and comments by Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Authorities are also investigating rap-punk duo Bob Vylan, who performed just before Kneecap. Video showed them leading a chant of “death, death, death to the IDF,” prompting criticism from Glastonbury, Eavis, and the BBC. The duo’s U.S. visas have reportedly been revoked, and their agency has dropped them. The BBC later apologised for streaming the set, stating it “respects freedom of expression but stands firmly against incitement to violence.”
Responding to the backlash, Bob Vylan said: “We’re not for the death of Jews, Arabs or any other race or group of people. We are for the dismantling of a violent military machine.”
Updates will follow as developments occur.
Watch Kneecap’s Glastonbury 2025 highlights below.
