Kneecap Hits Back at Canadian MP Vince Gasparro Over Entry Ban and “Malicious” Claims

Irish rap trio Kneecap responds fiercely to Canadian MP’s accusations after being barred from Canada for alleged political violence support.

The Controversy That Shook the Music Scene

If you’ve been following the saga around Irish rap group Kneecap, you know it’s been a rollercoaster. Earlier this week, the band was officially banned from entering Canada, with the government citing their “statements contrary to Canadian values” and causing “deep alarm.” The drama escalated when Canadian MP Vince Gasparro accused the band of amplifying political violence and supporting terrorist groups like Hezbollah and Hamas—a claim that turned heads and sparked outrage.

Irish rap trio Kneecap in action

Gasparro’s official announcement came on September 15, delivered via a video on X (formerly Twitter). He didn't hold back, stating:

“These are not expressions of art or legitimate political critique. They are dangerous endorsements of violence and hate.”

— Vince Gasparro

The allegations were linked to Mo Chara, a member of Kneecap, who faces terrorism charges relating to an incident where he allegedly displayed a Hezbollah flag during a London show last November. This case was recently adjourned until September 26.

Kneecap’s Firm Denial and Legal Retaliation

Kneecap have been unequivocal in denying any support for Hamas or Hezbollah. They insist their art does not incite or condone violence. The infamous footage from the London show, they argue, is taken wildly out of context.

In a fiery Instagram statement posted on September 19, the group called Gasparro’s comments “wholly untrue and deeply malicious,” announcing their intent to take legal action against him. Their message to the Canadian MP was crystal clear:

“We have today instructed our lawyers to initiate legal action against you. We will be relentless in defending ourselves against baseless accusations to silence our opposition to a genocide being committed by Israel. When we beat you in court, which we will, we will donate every cent to assist some of the thousands of child amputees in Gaza.”

Kneecap also addressed their Canadian fans with warmth and solidarity:

“We have played in Canada many times with zero issues and a message of solidarity and love. We are sorry we cannot be with you next month but we will not be silenced and will always oppose genocide. Use your voices in Canada – stand up and speak out.”

The Ban's Impact on Upcoming Shows

The ban means Kneecap won’t be performing their planned shows in Toronto and Vancouver this October. The move followed pressure from a Jewish organization in Canada advocating since June to deny the band entry.

The band has been known for their passionate live performances

Despite the setback, Kneecap went ahead with their biggest England gig yet on September 18 at the massive OVO Wembley Arena, filling the 12,500-capacity venue. Introduced by Massive Attack and Ben Jamal as “a band who refused to be silenced for their solidarity with the Palestinian people,” the night was electric.

The show earned rave reviews, with critics praising the band’s energy, wit, and cultural resonance. One reviewer summarized the vibe perfectly:

“You don’t pull off a gig like that on controversy alone. You need bangers and you need a culture to fill this room. Kneecap have all that, and they’re a fucking good laugh. There’s no call for violence, there’s nothing that should land someone in front of a judge, just solidarity and a rave against the dying of the light.”

A Glimpse Into Kneecap’s Wider Activism

Kneecap's activism goes beyond music. In a recent campaign called No Music For Genocide, over 400 artists, including Fontaines DC, Amyl & The Sniffers, Rina Sawayama, and Japanese Breakfast, have blocked their music in Israel as a protest against ongoing violence.

Massive Attack, who introduced Kneecap at Wembley, are also a key player in this movement and have pledged a full boycott of Spotify.

This collective action is a powerful statement in today’s music scene, where artists are increasingly using their platforms to take stands on global issues.

What’s Next for Kneecap?

After having to cancel their US tour due to the “close proximity of [their] next court hearing,” Kneecap announced a livestream performance to keep their fans connected. They also have a UK headline tour lined up for November 2025.

If you want to catch the live experience, tickets are still available for some dates, so don’t miss out.

The Final Word

The Canadian ban on Kneecap has sparked a fierce debate about freedom of expression, political activism, and the role of art in controversial times. Kneecap’s determination to fight back legally and keep their message alive is a testament to their resilience.

As the story unfolds, it raises a bigger question: How far should governments go in policing art and dissent? And where do we draw the line between political critique and perceived threats?

FAQ

• What led to Kneecap being banned from Canada?
  Canadian officials cited statements by Kneecap deemed contrary to Canadian values, accusing the band of endorsing political violence and supporting terrorist organizations.
• Who is Vince Gasparro, and what did he say?
  Vince Gasparro is a Canadian MP who publicly accused Kneecap of amplifying political violence and supporting groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, leading to their ban.
• Has Kneecap responded to the accusations?
  Yes, Kneecap denied all accusations, calling them “wholly untrue and deeply malicious,” and have begun legal action to defend their reputation.
• Are any members of Kneecap facing legal issues?
  Yes, member Mo Chara faces terrorism charges related to allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag during a London concert.
• What are Kneecap’s upcoming plans?
  They have scheduled a livestream performance and a UK headline tour in November 2025, despite canceling their US tour due to legal issues.

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