During Coachella’s first weekend, Irish rap trio Kneecap alleged that the festival censored their pro-Palestine messaging and anti-Margaret Thatcher chants. The group took to social media, promising that next weekend it would be “sorted.” And they delivered.

For their second set, Kneecap held their own livestream hosted by political commentator Hasan Piker, where Mo Chara delivered a brief but powerful speech before leading the crowd in a “Free, Free Palestine” chant:

"The Irish not so long ago were persecuted at the hands of the Brits, but we were never bombed from the fucking skies with nowhere to go. The Palestinians have nowhere to go, it’s their fucking home and they’re bombing them from the skies. If you’re not calling it a genocide what the fuck are you calling it?"

Of course, such direct and provocative messaging is bound to draw its fair share of critics, one of whom was reality TV star Sharon Osbourne. On April 22, she wrote a lengthy post on X, condemning the group.

She said, “Coachella 2025 will be remembered as a festival that compromised its moral and spiritual integrity.” She argued that Goldenvoice, the festival organizer, facilitated this by allowing artists to use the Coachella stage as a platform for political expression. “At a time when the world is experiencing significant unrest, music should serve as an escape, not a stage for political discourse.”

Osbourne continued, “While festivals like Coachella showcase remarkable talent from around the globe, music’s primary purpose is to unite people. It should not be a venue for promoting terrorist organisations or spreading hate.”

Coachella 2025 will be remembered as a festival that compromised its moral and spiritual integrity. Goldenvoice, the festival organizer, facilitated this by allowing artists to use the Coachella stage as a platform for political expression. At a time when the world is… pic.twitter.com/moqSVyC2hs

— Sharon Osbourne (@MrsSOsbourne) April 22, 2025

Osbourne also took aim at Green Day, who had altered their lyrics to reference Palestine during their headlining set. She wrote, “Green Day, a band I personally admire, chose to share their views on the Middle East during their Coachella performance. While I respect their right to express their opinions, such discussions would have been more appropriate at their own concert, not at a festival.”

Her main target, however, remained Kneecap, as she concluded her post with "I urge you to join me in advocating for the revocation of Kneecap’s work visa."

The group has yet to respond, but given Kneecap's history of being outspoken—especially in recent times regarding Palestine—it would be shocking if they didn't.

Their long-standing support for Palestine includes a multitude of social media posts and a cover feature for NME last year, where they made their stance against Israel’s “occupation and genocide” of Gaza abundantly clear. In addition, the group helped raise nearly £100,000 for a volunteer gym in the Aida Refugee Camp in Palestine.

Most recently, on April 10, Kneecap took to X with a simple yet fiery message: “FUCK US-BACKED ISRAEL,” adding, “And fuck the EU and Brits for cheerleading fucking war crimes.”

FUCK US-BACKED ISRAEL.

The most dangerous cunts on the planet are now “seizing” Gaza.

And fuck the EU and Brits for cheerleading fucking war crimes.

— KNEECAP (@KNEECAPCEOL) April 10, 2025