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Irish rap group Kneecap has canceled its upcoming U.S. tour dates due to a scheduling conflict with a band member’s court appearance in London over a terrorism-related charge.
The group announced Monday on social media that all 15 of its October shows in the U.S. would be canceled, blaming what it called a “witch-hunt” by the British government. “With every show fully sold out, to tens of thousands of fans, this news is sad to deliver,” the band wrote. “But once we win our court case, which we will, we promise to embark on an even bigger tour to all you great heads.” Refunds are available for ticket holders.
Legal issues began in May when police in London accused Liam O’Hanna, 27, also known as Mo Chara, of violating U.K. terrorism laws that prohibit displaying flags in ways that could indicate support for groups the country deems terrorist. Authorities launched an investigation after a video surfaced of O’Hanna displaying a Hezbollah flag at a venue north of London in November. Hezbollah is considered a terrorist organization by the U.K., U.S., and other nations due to its militant activities and ties to Iran.
Earlier this year, Kneecap performed at Coachella in front of a screen reading “F--- Israel, Free Palestine.” While the incident did not result in U.S. criminal charges, the festival’s livestream was censored, the band claimed. Kneecap has described criticism over its stance on Israel and Gaza as part of a “coordinated smear campaign,” accusing critics of using false antisemitism claims to suppress dissent.
The band assured U.S. fans that new plans are coming: “We will be sharing something very special for U.S. fans next week so that we can still link in with you all in October,” they wrote. Canadian tour dates in Vancouver and Toronto are unaffected, with the group planning four sold-out shows.
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