2025-05-21T20:52:23Z

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Mo Chara, one of the prominent members of the Irish rap group Kneecap, has recently found himself at the center of a legal controversy after being charged with a terror offense. This charge stems from an incident during a concert held at London’s O2 Forum Kentish Town in November 2024, where Chara allegedly displayed the flag of Hezbollah, a group recognized as a terrorist organization by the United Kingdom since 2019.

The incident gained significant attention when footage began circulating online, especially following Kneecap’s performance at the widely celebrated Coachella festival. During this performance, the group included messages that were pro-Palestine and critical of Israel, which further fueled discussions surrounding their political stance. The video footage shows Mo Chara draped in the Hezbollah flag while he fervently shouted, “Up Hamas! Up Hezbollah!” The mention of Hamas is particularly noteworthy, as it is also classified as a terrorist organization in the UK and has been a focal point of conflict in the region.

In response to the circulating videos, the Metropolitan Police of London announced that they would launch an investigation. In the UK, public support for groups like Hezbollah and Hamas is illegal, which places Chara’s actions under serious scrutiny. Following the initiation of the investigation, Kneecap released a public statement to clarify their position: “Let us be unequivocal: we do not, and have never, supported Hamas or Hezbollah. We condemn all attacks on civilians, always. It is never okay.” This statement appears to be an attempt to distance the group from the controversial act and to underscore their stance on civilian casualties in conflicts.

Mo Chara, whose birth name is Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday, June 18. The legal ramifications of this incident could have lasting implications not only for Chara but also for Kneecap as a group. As the controversy unfolds, Pitchfork has reached out to representatives for Kneecap to gather further insights or comments regarding the situation.

Kneecap, hailing from Belfast, Northern Ireland, made their mark on the music scene with their debut album, titled 3CAG, released in 2018. Their sophomore album, Fine Art, was launched in 2024, the same year a biographical film about the group was produced. Over the years, Kneecap has been vocal in their support for Palestine, particularly as conflict escalates in the region, with the Israeli military conducting ongoing operations in Gaza.