American Airlines Removes Controversial Kneecap Biopic from Flights

American Airlines has removed the Kneecap movie from their in-flight entertainment after receiving complaints regarding the film's content.

Controversy Surrounding Kneecap

American Airlines recently decided to pull the film Kneecap from their in-flight entertainment line-up amid a growing wave of controversy. The decision came after the airline received numerous complaints, prompting them to reassess their content offerings.

The Irish rap trio, Kneecap, has found itself at the center of a media storm after UK counter-terrorism police announced they were “assessing” two videos from the band's live performances. In one clip, a band member allegedly shouts, “Up Hamas, up Hezbollah,” while another video purportedly shows calls for violence against Conservative Members of Parliament. The band has since denied any support for Hamas or Hezbollah and has rejected claims of promoting violence against politicians.

Reaction from the Public and American Airlines

In the wake of these events, some organizations, including the campaign group StopAntisemitism, have called upon American Airlines to remove the biopic from their in-flight options. They labeled Kneecap as an “antisemitic and pro-terror group,” questioning, “Why are you giving a platform to hate?”

American Airlines confirmed the film's removal in a statement made on social media:

“We've heard from our Onboard Entertainment team, and can confirm the show has been removed from our movie selections.”

— americanair (@AmericanAir) May 1, 2025

The Story Behind Kneecap

Kneecap tells the semi-fictionalized story of the West Belfast rap trio, who portray themselves in the film. Shot primarily in the Irish language, the film explores the band's formation intertwined with real-life events. Notably, actor Michael Fassbender plays Arlo, the father of band member Móglaí Bap.

After debuting at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, Kneecap received six nominations at the BAFTAs, winning the award for Outstanding British Film. It also represented Ireland in the Oscars race for Best International Feature Film, although it did not secure a nomination.

The film's director, Rich Peppiatt, dedicated the BAFTA award to "everyone out there" fighting for respect for their homeland.

Critical Acclaim and Further Controversy

Kneecap has been celebrated widely, even being named the best film of 2024. Critics praised its unique blend of dark comedy, documentary, and fictionalized storytelling, often highlighting the experiences of the trio growing up in post-Troubles Belfast.

The film captures the essence of the band's journey, depicting their transformation from low-level drug dealers to celebrated musicians. This darkly comedic narrative has resonated with audiences and critics alike. As one review aptly noted:

“Holy shit, fuck me, what a film.”

— Andrew Trendell

Support from the Music Community

In light of the controversy, Kneecap's label, Heavenly Recordings, released a letter defending the band's right to free expression. The letter was signed by over 100 notable artists, including Pulp, IDLES, and Massive Attack, asserting their solidarity against censorship.

However, this support has not been universal. Prominent singer Billy Bragg voiced his backing for Kneecap while critiquing the letter's lack of nuance regarding the controversy surrounding the band.

Political pressure mounted as several politicians called for Kneecap to be removed from upcoming festival line-ups this summer. Unfortunately, shows scheduled in Hamburg, Cologne, and Berlin have been cancelled, along with several other performances.

FAQs

• What is the Kneecap movie about?
  The film Kneecap depicts the journey of a West Belfast rap trio, blending fictionalized storytelling with real-life events.
• Why was the movie removed from American Airlines flights?
  American Airlines removed the film after receiving complaints related to controversial content in the band's performances.
• What accolades has the Kneecap film received?
  The film has won the BAFTA for Outstanding British Film and has received critical acclaim, even being named the best film of 2024 by several outlets.
• Has Kneecap faced backlash for their performances?
  Yes, the band has faced significant backlash and scrutiny from UK counter-terrorism police and various organizations regarding their concert footage.
• What support has Kneecap received from the music community?
  Over 100 artists backed Kneecap's right to free expression, signing a letter defending the band's artistic freedom.

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