Ottawa: The Canadian government has banned the Belfast-based rap group Kneecap from entering the country, citing allegations that the band has ‘glorified terrorist organisations.’ The trio strongly rejected the accusations as ‘wholly untrue and deeply malicious’ and announced plans to launch legal action.
Kneecap, comprising Naoise Ó Cairealláin, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, and JJ Ó Dochartaigh, is known for its politically charged lyrics, provocative merchandise, and vocal support for the Palestinian cause. The group has been repeatedly embroiled in controversy this year.
In April, video footage surfaced appearing to show a band member chanting “Up Hamas, up Hezbollah” at a concert. In June, their performance at the Glastonbury Festival was investigated by UK police, who later confirmed they would take no further action. More recently, Ó hAnnaidh has appeared in court, charged with allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag during a show.
A message to Vince Gasparro and our many fans across Canada. 👇 https://t.co/66avCapPgn pic.twitter.com/ySsrgpMs6J
— KNEECAP (@KNEECAPCEOL) September 19, 2025
Vince Gasparro, Canada’s Parliamentary Secretary for combating crime, has issued a video statement on social media announcing that the group had been deemed ineligible to enter the country.
Gasparro said that the band’s conduct had ‘caused deep alarm’ within the Canadian government, and added that, “Kneecap has engaged in actions and made statements that are contrary to Canadian values and laws. The group has amplified political violence and publicly displayed support for terrorist organisations such as Hezbollah and Hamas.”
Following the announcement, Kneecap issued a strongly worded statement titled ‘A Message to Vince Gasparro’ on X, declaring their intention to sue. They wrote that, “Your comments about us are wholly untrue and deeply malicious. We will not accept it. No member of Kneecap has been convicted of ANY crime in ANY country EVER.”
They also addressed their Canadian fan base, revealing that Canada’s immigration authorities had requested information from them a day earlier, which they had provided.
“It is our view that when they realised there was no legal basis on which to stop us, they sought instead to maliciously misrepresent Kneecap,” they said. “We have played in Canada many times with zero issues and a message of solidarity and love. We are sorry we cannot be with you next month, but we will not be silenced and will always oppose genocide.”
The ban comes shortly after the group’s performance at London’s Wembley Arena, where they referenced Donald Trump’s state visit to the UK. Before their set began, a message projected on stage read: “Starmer welcomed Isaac Herzog to this city like a king last week. Today, Trump is here, the man who permits the slaughter.”
Meanwhile, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh’s ongoing court case in the UK is set to continue on 26 September at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. His lawyers have argued that the charge against him was brought with a technical error. Chief magistrate Paul Goldspring is expected to rule at the adjourned hearing on whether the court has jurisdiction to proceed with the case.
Through their statement, Kneecap vowed to continue defending themselves against what they described as ‘baseless accusations’ and reaffirmed their commitment to opposing what they called a genocide in Gaza.
ALSO READ | Powerful 7.8 quake hits Russia’s Kamchatka; Tsunami alerts issued
