The Metropolitan Police's counter-terror officers will investigate online videos allegedly showing rap trio Kneecap calling for the death of British MPs and shouting "up Hamas, up Hezbollah". A video emerged of the west Belfast trio at a November 2023 gig appearing to show one person from the band saying: "The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP." BothHamas and Hezbollahare banned in the UK and it is a crime to express support for them. Some gigs featuring the bandhave since been cancelledin the controversy. On Thursday, the Met Police said: "On April 22, we were made aware of an online video believed to be from a music event in London in November 2024. "Following this, we were made aware of a further video, believed to be from another music event in London in November 2023. "Both videos were referred to the Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit for assessment by specialist officers, who have determined there are grounds for further investigation into potential offences linked to both videos. "The investigation is now being carried out by officers from the Met's Counter Terrorism Command and inquiries remain ongoing at this time." In a statementearlier this week, Kneecap said they rejected "any suggestion that we would seek to incite violence against any MP or individual. Ever." They stated that "an extract of footage, deliberately taken out of all context, is now being exploited and weaponised, as if it were a call to action". Referring to two MPs who have been murdered in the UK in recent years, the trio added: "To the Amess and Cox families, we send our heartfelt apologies, we never intended to cause you hurt." Kneecap have faced criticism and commercial consequences after displaying messages about the war in Gaza during their set at US music festival Coachella earlier this month. They were dropped by their sponsor and booking agent Independent Artist Group (IAG) and formerX Factor judge Sharon Osbourne calling for Kneecap's US work visas to be revoked. Following this, footage emerged from a previous gig, which is now under investigation by counter-terrorism officers. A number of artists havesigned a joint statementin support of Kneecap. Fontaines DC, Annie Mac, Bicep, Massive Attack, Pulp, Paul Weller and Christy Moore are among the artists who signed the open letter by Kneecap's record label, Heavenly Recordings. The statement said there had been a "clear, concerted attempt to censor and ultimately deplatform" the band. It accused "senior political figures" in Westminster and the UK media of being "openly engaged in a campaign to remove Kneecap from the public eye". "As artists, we feel the need to register our opposition to any political repression of artistic freedom," the statement added. "In a democracy, no political figures or political parties should have the right to dictate who does and does not play at music festivals or gigs that will be enjoyed by thousands of people." Kneecap are an Irish-speaking rap trio who havecourted controversywith their provocative lyrics and merchandise. The group was formed in 2017 by three friends who go by the stage names of Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí. Their rise to fame inspired a semi-fictionalised film starring Oscar-nominated actor Michael Fassbender. The filmwon a British Academy of Film Award(Bafta) in February 2025.
Counter-terrorism police investigating Kneecap videos
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Metropolitan Police Launch Investigation into Kneecap's Controversial Videos"
Bbc News
6.9
TruthLens AI Summary
The Metropolitan Police's counter-terrorism unit is currently investigating videos that allegedly feature the Irish rap trio Kneecap making inflammatory statements against British MPs and expressing support for groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah, both of which are proscribed organizations in the UK. The controversy arose following a performance by Kneecap in November 2023, where footage surfaced showing a band member stating, "The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP." In response to the videos, which have raised concerns about potential incitement to violence, the Metropolitan Police confirmed that they were made aware of these recordings and have referred them to their Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit for further assessment. The investigation is ongoing, and the police have indicated that there are grounds to explore potential offenses related to the content of the videos, which has led to the cancellation of some of the band's upcoming gigs.
In light of the backlash, Kneecap has publicly denied any intention to incite violence, claiming that their statements were taken out of context and manipulated to suggest a call to action. They expressed regret for any distress caused to the families of MPs who have been victims of violence in recent years. The band has faced significant commercial repercussions, including losing their sponsorship and booking agent after making political statements during their performance at the Coachella festival. Notably, several prominent artists, including Fontaines DC and Pulp, have rallied in support of Kneecap, condemning what they perceive as a concerted effort to censor the group. This situation has sparked a broader discussion about artistic freedom and the role of political figures in influencing cultural expression, emphasizing the need to protect the rights of artists in a democratic society.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights an investigation by the Metropolitan Police's counter-terrorism unit into videos featuring the Irish rap group Kneecap. The content of these videos allegedly includes inflammatory remarks against British MPs, invoking support for banned organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah, which raises serious legal and ethical concerns. The situation has escalated to the cancellation of some of the band's gigs, indicating the potential fallout from such expressions.
Objectives Behind the Publication
The purpose of this news report seems to be to inform the public about a noteworthy investigation that touches on issues of national security and the legality of free speech. By bringing attention to the content of the videos and the band's response, the article aims to underscore the seriousness of the allegations, potentially influencing public perception regarding the band's actions and the broader implications for artistic expression.
Public Perception
The article is likely intended to generate a sense of alarm or concern among readers regarding the potential threats posed by inflammatory rhetoric in music and public performances. By including details about the police investigation and the specific language used in the videos, the piece creates a narrative that could lead the audience to view the band as irresponsible or dangerous.
Information Omitted
While the article focuses on the controversies surrounding Kneecap, it may downplay the context of artistic expression and the band's defense against the accusations. The band's statement, which includes an apology to families of murdered MPs, is presented, but the broader context of their artistic intent and the cultural environment surrounding their performances is less emphasized.
Manipulative Quality
This article has a moderate level of manipulativeness due to its framing of the band's statements and the implications of their lyrics. The language used, particularly phrases that directly reference violence, can intensify the emotional response from readers and may unfairly characterize the band without giving equal weight to their defense.
Truthfulness of the Information
The article appears to be based on verifiable facts, including official statements from the police and the band's responses. However, the interpretation of these facts can influence how trustworthy the article feels to different audiences, particularly those who may have pre-existing biases regarding political issues or freedom of expression.
Societal Impact
This news could have several potential impacts on society, including increased scrutiny of artistic expression and a chilling effect on musicians and performers who engage with politically charged topics. It may also provoke debates about free speech in the UK, particularly in relation to expressions that could be deemed supportive of terrorist organizations.
Support Base and Target Audience
Kneecap may resonate more with communities that identify with Irish nationalism or those who are critical of British politics. Conversely, the article likely targets a more general audience concerned with national security issues and the implications of free speech.
Market Implications
Given the nature of the allegations and the possible ramifications for Kneecap, there could be a negative impact on the entertainment sector, particularly for companies associated with the band. Stocks or shares in companies that promote or sponsor controversial artists might experience volatility based on public sentiment following this news.
Global Power Dynamics
While this news may not directly influence global power dynamics, it reflects ongoing tensions related to terrorism, freedom of expression, and political activism, which are significant in today's socio-political climate.
AI Influence in Reporting
It's plausible that AI tools were utilized in drafting or editing this article, particularly in analyzing the language and framing of the narrative. AI models may have influenced the presentation style, emphasizing certain aspects of the story while minimizing others, thus shaping public perception.
Potential Manipulation
The article could be seen as manipulative, particularly in its language that highlights extreme statements, which might lead to a biased interpretation of the band's message. This manipulation appears to stem from the choice of words that evoke strong emotional reactions and potentially target specific groups for criticism.
In conclusion, the information presented in the article is grounded in facts but is framed in a way that may provoke significant public reaction and concern. The overall trustworthiness remains high, but the nuances of the situation may not be fully conveyed, leading to varied interpretations based on readers' perspectives.