The Irish hip-hop trio has been refused entry amid claims-for-2027/” title=”'Only Tinubu can choose his running mate' — Minister on Shettima ‘snub’ … for 2027″>allegations of endorsing Hamas and Hezbollah, claims the group firmly rejects.
Published On 20 Sep 2025
The Irish rap collective Kneecap has publicly condemned the Canadian authorities after being barred from entering the country due to allegations of endorsing terrorism through support for groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah-charges the band vehemently denies.
Known for their outspoken pro-Palestinian messages, Kneecap has become a polarizing figure in the music scene, facing cancellations and travel restrictions in various nations.
On Friday, Vince Gasparro, a Liberal MP and parliamentary secretary focused on crime prevention, stated that the group was refused entry because their conduct and remarks contravene Canadian legislation.
Gasparro emphasized in a social media video that Kneecap’s public backing of organizations like Hezbollah and Hamas transcends artistic freedom and enters the realm of unlawful endorsement.
“Canada unequivocally rejects hate speech, calls for violence, and the glorification of terrorism. While political discourse and free expression are cornerstones of our democracy, openly supporting terrorist entities is not protected speech,” he asserted.
Both Hamas and Hezbollah have been officially designated as terrorist organizations by Canada since 2002.
In retaliation, Kneecap labeled Gasparro’s accusations as “completely false and malicious,” warning of potential legal proceedings to defend their reputation.
“We will persistently challenge these unfounded claims aimed at silencing our opposition to the ongoing genocide perpetrated by Israel,” the band declared on social media. “No member of Kneecap has ever been convicted of any crime in any jurisdiction.”
The group had planned concerts in Toronto and Vancouver scheduled for the upcoming month.
A message to Vince Gasparro and our many fans across Canada. 👇 https://t.co/66avCapPgn pic.twitter.com/ySsrgpMs6J
– KNEECAP (@KNEECAPCEOL) September 19, 2025
Canada’s immigration department has refrained from commenting, citing privacy concerns.
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, a Canadian advocacy group, praised the government’s move as a firm stance against “incitement, hatred, and radicalization,” while Jewish organization B’nai Brith hailed it as a “significant achievement.”
Kneecap has drawn criticism for statements perceived as glorifying Hamas and Hezbollah, leading to their removal from major European festivals such as Germany’s Hurricane and Southside events earlier this year.
In a related incident, Liam Og O hAnnaidh-also known by his stage name Mo Chara and formerly charged under the Anglicized name Liam O’Hanna-faces terrorism charges in the UK for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag during a London show in November 2024. He denies wrongdoing, explaining the flag was thrown onto the stage unexpectedly during the performance.
The band insists that their critics aim to suppress their vocal support for Palestinians amid Israel’s ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has resulted in over 65,000 deaths and widespread devastation since October 2023. They maintain they neither endorse Hezbollah or Hamas nor condone violent acts.
Earlier this summer, Hungary imposed a three-year ban on Kneecap, preventing their appearance at the Sziget Festival in Budapest.
Despite controversies, Kneecap performed at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California in April, where they accused Israel, with backing from the US government, of committing genocide against Palestinians. This sparked demands to revoke their US visas and led to multiple concert cancellations.
