Kneecap Manager Says Sony Told Band to “Stop Speaking About Palestine”

Sony reportedly urged Kneecap to halt their pro-Palestine stance after their acclaimed biopic release.

When Music Meets Politics: Kneecap’s Bold Stand

If you’ve ever been captivated by a band that blends raw talent with outspoken activism, Kneecap’s story hits home in a powerful way. The Belfast trio, known for their fearless approach to both music and political commentary, have recently found themselves at the heart of a controversy that underlines just how much courage it takes to stand by your convictions in the music industry.

Their manager, Daniel Lambert, revealed in an interview that Sony Pictures Classics, which acquired the distribution rights to their self-titled biopic after its Sundance Film Festival premiere, asked the band to "stop speaking about Palestine." This request reportedly came during a meeting in a Manhattan skyscraper—a moment where corporate interests clashed directly with the band's unyielding message.

"I met Sony in a skyscraper in Manhattan… and the first thing was, they had just bought the Kneecap film, and they said: ‘You need to stop speaking about Palestine’. And the lads said: ‘That’s not going to happen.’"

— Daniel Lambert, Kneecap’s manager

This stand-off highlights the tensions that arise when art and activism intersect on a global stage.

The Rise of a Fierce Trio and Their Groundbreaking Film

Kneecap’s journey began in 2017 in West Belfast, where Liam Óg Ó Hannaidh, Naoise Ó Cairealláin, and JJ Ó Dochartaigh teamed up to create not only music but a voice for their community and political beliefs. Their film, a semi-fictionalized biopic, artfully captures their story with a blend of humor, grit, and heart.

The film premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival and quickly garnered critical acclaim. It won a BAFTA and snagged Oscar shortlist nods for Best International Feature and Best Original Song—impressive feats for a comedy biopic steeped in local politics.

It also dominated the British Independent Film Awards, taking home seven trophies, including a joint lead acting award for the band members themselves.

Kneecap’s Mo Chara and Móglaí Bap lighting up Glastonbury 2025.

With such momentum, it’s no surprise Sony Pictures Classics swooped in to give the film a wider cinematic release. But the band’s unfiltered political expression proved harder to box in than anyone expected.

The Fallout from Speaking Out: Arrests, Bans, and Backlash

Kneecap's unapologetic pro-Palestine stance, which they’ve voiced openly since their formation, has sparked significant controversy. Band member Mo Chara (Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh) was involved in legal issues after reportedly shouting “Up Hamas, up Hezbollah” on stage and displaying a Hezbollah flag, leading to court appearances and a pending hearing.

Despite this turmoil, Kneecap has remained steadfast, continuing to call out what they describe as genocide in Gaza—a claim supported by a UN special committee’s findings that criticized Israel's military actions as consistent with genocide. According to Gaza’s health ministry, over 59,000 lives have been lost, numbers that have drawn intense international debate.

Their outspoken support has come at a cost:

• Police investigated their 2025 Glastonbury set but closed the case without charges.
• They’ve been removed from major festivals like TRNSMT, Germany’s Hurricane and Southside Festivals, and Cornwall’s Eden Project.
• Most recently, they were banned from Hungary for three years ahead of a planned Sziget Festival performance—a decision the festival called “unprecedented” and “regrettable,” while the band labeled it “fucking outrageous.”

The backlash extends beyond festivals, with political figures like UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer publicly calling for their removal from Glastonbury, citing concerns about incitement to violence, despite Kneecap’s denials of anti-Semitism.

Standing Firm Amid the Storm

Kneecap’s manager Daniel Lambert reflected on the emotional toll and unshakeable conviction of the band members—especially Mo Chara, who faces ongoing legal challenges.

"You walk into any room, and there’s a group of people against you, but you’re clear on what you’ve done and that you’ve done the right thing, and that kind of counts for a lot. That’s the way he kind of feels about it."

— Daniel Lambert

Lambert also criticized the media and political focus, lamenting how the world spends more time scrutinizing the band than addressing crises like the execution of medics in conflict zones. His words underscore a broader frustration about what stories get told—and which voices are amplified or silenced.

Why Kneecap’s Story Matters

The saga surrounding Kneecap is more than just a band’s troubles—it’s a vivid example of how art, politics, and freedom of speech collide today. Their music and their film serve as a rallying cry about the power of cultural expression in the face of pressure to conform or stay silent.

From their early days in Belfast to the glitzy stages of Glastonbury, Kneecap’s journey has been unapologetically bold. Their story asks us all: when does speaking your truth become a risk? And how far are we willing to go to defend it?

Watch the official trailer for Kneecap below to see this compelling story unfold on the big screen:

Wrapping It Up: The Beat Goes On

Kneecap’s saga is a potent reminder that music isn’t just entertainment—it’s a platform for voices that challenge, provoke, and inspire. Whether you agree with their politics or not, their refusal to back down in the face of pressure resonates deeply in an age where silence often feels like complicity.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What did Sony reportedly tell Kneecap?
  Sony Pictures Classics allegedly told Kneecap to stop speaking publicly about Palestine after acquiring their biopic.
• What awards has the Kneecap film won?
  The film won a BAFTA, was shortlisted for two Oscars, and won seven British Independent Film Awards (BIFA).
• Why has Kneecap faced festival bans and police investigations?
  Due to their outspoken political messages, controversial on-stage actions, and public statements supporting Palestine, authorities and festival organizers have scrutinized and sometimes removed them from lineups.
• What legal troubles has band member Mo Chara faced?
  Mo Chara has appeared in court related to accusations following his on-stage support for groups like Hamas and Hezbollah; he was granted unconditional bail and faces future hearings.
• How has the band responded to accusations of anti-Semitism?
  Kneecap denies these accusations, stating that critics use false claims of anti-Semitism to silence criticism of what they describe as genocide.

If you want to celebrate Kneecap’s fearless spirit, why not bring home a piece of their story? Shop your favorite album cover posters here and keep the conversation alive on your walls.