Kneecap Condemns "Hate-Filled" Hungarian PM in Sziget 2025 Broadcast: "We Must Stand Together"

Irish rap trio Kneecap delivers a powerful message at Sziget Festival, condemning Hungary's PM Orbán and standing in solidarity with Palestine.

A Bold Stand at Sziget Festival 2025

Every now and then, a moment at a music festival transcends the beats and lights, morphing into a powerful act of resistance and solidarity. That moment came at Sziget Festival 2025 in Budapest when Irish rap trio Kneecap took to the big screen with a message that resonated far beyond the music. Banned from entering Hungary, the group used video to call out what they called the "hate-filled" policies of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and to stand firmly in support of Palestine.

Mo Chara and Móglaí Bap of Kneecap at Glastonbury 2025. Photo by Andy Ford.

The Ban That Sparked the Message

Earlier in 2025, Hungary’s government announced a three-year ban on Kneecap, accusing the band of “anti-Semitism and glorifying terror.” This led to the cancellation of their much-anticipated Sziget performance, with authorities branding them a “national security threat.” For a group known for their passionate and political lyrics, this was more than just a cancellation; it was a direct challenge.

Despite the ban, Kneecap found an innovative way to connect with fans at Sziget. On August 11th, they teased their fans on social media to gather at the Buzz Stage at 11:05 PM for an important message.

🚨 Hello to all those at Sziget festival, Hungary. 🚨
We will have a message for you at 23:05 this evening.
👉 The Buzz Stage.
— KNEECAP (@KNEECAPCEOL) August 11, 2025

At the appointed time, a sea of fans, many waving Irish and Palestinian flags, turned their attention to the screen. The video began:

The Message: Calling Out Oppression and Standing Together

“We wish we could be there with you at one of the best festivals in the world and the first European festival Kneecap ever played,” the message opened, immediately setting a nostalgic tone. Then came the sharp critique:

“We can’t because of one hate-filled man. Viktor Orbán.”

The crowd erupted in chants of “fuck Orbán.”

The video continued, firmly dispelling any accusations against the band:

“We have been convicted of zero crimes in any country ever. But we will call out oppression. For calling out Israel’s genocidal campaign Viktor has banned us from your beautiful country for 3 years. Israel is committing a genocide against the Palestinian people. Viktor Orbán and his government support it. Viktor Orbán and his government tried to shut down Pride in Budapest. They failed. We must stand together. Oppose Orbán. Oppose Israel. Oppose genocide.”

The message ended on a rallying cry:

“Free Palestine, tiocfaidh ár lá.”

The crowd responded with spirited chants of “free Palestine” as Kneecap’s video for their fiery single The Recap played on the big screen.

Watch Kneecap's Sziget 2025 Message and Video Here:

Instagram Post - Kneecap at Sziget 2025

Fans and Protesters Joined the Chorus

The reaction online mirrored the crowd's energy. One fan tweeted:

“That’s how you convey a message. Fuck Orban #Sziget2025 #kneecap”

— Lady Mihaela (@LadyMihaelaTarg) August 12, 2025

The raw emotion and defiance in the air were palpable, a fusion of music, politics, and community standing firm against oppression.

Kneecap’s Response to the Ban: Outrage and Defiance

Kneecap themselves described the ban as “fucking outrageous.” They expressed deep disappointment at not being able to play for tens of thousands of fans at Sziget:

“To the tens of thousands of fans who we were buzzing to see in person at Sziget, we’re sorry we won’t be with you. The authoritarian government of Viktor Orbán say we ‘pose a national security threat’. Which is fucking outrageous coming from a man who welcomed Netanyahu, a wanted war criminal, like a hero just a few weeks ago.”

Kneecap’s spirit captured live, refusing to be silenced.

Political Pressure Cancels More Kneecap Shows

The Hungarian ban isn’t the only recent show cancellation for Kneecap. They’ve faced political pressure in Austria too, where their Vienna gig was axed following influence from the far-right Freedom Party. Other cancellations include:

• TRNSMT Festival
• Germany’s Hurricane Festival and Southside Festival
• Eden Project in Cornwall

Despite these setbacks, Kneecap remain outspoken. At festivals like Coachella and Glastonbury, they have labeled Israel’s actions in Gaza as a “genocide” and vehemently denied accusations of anti-Semitism. The band insists such claims are used to “distract, confuse, and provide cover for genocide.”

Kneecap’s Stand Against Corporate Ties to Controversy

At the recent Øya Festival, Kneecap took the stage with a powerful message against the investment giant KKR, which owns Superstruct Entertainment — the company behind several major festivals including Øya, Field Day, and Benicàssim.

Mo Chara, the band’s frontman, voiced his disapproval:

“It’s a disgrace and a shame that KKR is behind all these festivals. No company investing in Israel while they commit war crimes should be involved in and taking part in music festivals.”

He then led the crowd in a defiant chant of “fuck KKR,” echoing protesters gathered outside.

Watch Kneecap at Glastonbury 2024 Discussing Their Influences

Legal Troubles and Ongoing Court Dates

Kneecap's frontman, Mo Chara (Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh), has also faced legal scrutiny. During a London gig, he allegedly shouted “Up Hamas, up Hezbollah” and displayed a Hezbollah flag on stage. He appeared in court in June, where he was granted unconditional bail, and is due to appear again on August 20.

Upcoming Shows and Tours: Kneecap Keeps Moving Forward

Despite the hurdles, Kneecap’s summer and autumn schedule remains packed:

• Upcoming festival appearances include Green Man 2025.
• On August 15, they open for Fontaines D.C. at a huge Manchester outdoor gig.
• Their biggest England headline show is set for Wembley Arena on September 18.
• A full UK tour will follow in winter 2025.
• A North American tour is planned for autumn.

If you want to catch their remaining shows, tickets are still available online.

Final Thoughts: Music as Resistance

Kneecap’s story this year is a vivid reminder of how music and politics often collide in the most passionate, sometimes painful ways. They've faced bans, legal battles, and political pressure, but their voice remains unyielding and loud. At Sziget, they showed the world that music festivals are still places where resistance, protest, and solidarity thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What led to Kneecap being banned from Hungary?
  The Hungarian government banned Kneecap citing allegations of “anti-Semitism and glorifying terror,” accusing them of posing a national security threat.
• What was Kneecap’s message at Sziget Festival 2025?
  They condemned Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán's policies, accused his government of supporting Israel's actions in Palestine, and called for standing together against oppression and genocide.
• Has Kneecap faced cancellations elsewhere?
  Yes, their Vienna show was canceled due to political pressure, and they were also dropped from several festivals including TRNSMT, Hurricane, Southside, and the Eden Project.
• What is Kneecap’s stance on the accusations of anti-Semitism?
  The band denies these accusations, stating they are used to distract from the Israeli government's policies and to cover up alleged genocide.
• What are Kneecap’s upcoming plans?
  Kneecap will perform at Green Man 2025, open for Fontaines D.C. in Manchester, headline Wembley Arena in September, and go on a UK tour in winter 2025, as well as a North American tour in autumn.

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