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The group was scheduled to perform four shows in Toronto and Vancouver in October, according to reports
Hip-hop group Kneecap | File Image
Canada barred Irish-language hip-hop group Kneecap from entering the country, citing concerns that the band has expressed views “contrary to Canadian values” and shown support for terrorist organisations.
The group was scheduled to perform four shows in Toronto and Vancouver in October, according to reports.
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Canadian officials pointed to charges filed in the UK against band member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh earlier this year.
He is accused of displaying a Hezbollah flag during a 2023 London concert. Hezbollah is classified as a terrorist organisation in both the UK and Canada.
Kneecap Vows Legal Action
The 27-year-old band member denied the allegations, and Kneecap called the Canadian ban “deeply malicious,” vowing to pursue legal action.
Liberal MP Vince Gasparro, Parliamentary Secretary for Combating Crime, confirmed the decision in a video statement on X.
He accused the band of amplifying political violence and publicly backing groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas.
“These are not expressions of art or legitimate political critique,” he said. “They are dangerous endorsements of violence and hate.”
The ban has been welcomed by the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs in Canada, whose CEO Noah Shack said it was “the right decision,” adding that “incitement, hate and radicalisation have no place in this country.”
Kneecap, however, rejected the allegations.
In a statement posted on X, the group said Gasparro’s comments were “wholly untrue and deeply malicious,” and confirmed it had instructed lawyers to take legal action.
The controversy comes as Ó hAnnaidh continues to fight legal proceedings in the UK.
A magistrate is expected to rule on 26 September whether he will stand trial. He has previously dismissed the charges as politically motivated and linked to the band’s outspoken pro-Palestinian stance.
Kneecap, formed in Belfast in 2017 by Ó hAnnaidh (known as Mo Chara), Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí, has long courted controversy.
In April, the group was dropped by its US booking agent after displaying anti-Israel slogans during a Coachella performance.
Its upcoming US tour was cancelled in August because of Ó hAnnaidh’s legal troubles, though the band had expected its Canadian dates to continue.
Canada
September 20, 2025, 18:46 IST
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