The Irish language hip-hop trio Kneecap released "See it. Say it. Censored," an artist-led PSA that "demands urgent action to stop the genocide unfolding in Gaza," on Thursday, June 26.
"Kneecap is not the story. Genocide in Gaza is," the Belfast-based group said yesterday while unveiling the video, which was created by a coalition of artists.
The group wrote in a social media blast: "Created by a coalition of artists and powered by the testimony of medics and activists, the film builds on reports from Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and UN agencies, to lay out the facts and call for vital action: STOP THE GENOCIDE."
They added: "Arms Embargo Now Boycott, Divest, Sanctions. Support Palestinian Liberation."
In the short video, Kneecap member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh - who performs under the stage name Mo Chara - provides a voice over, saying in part: "We didn't choose solidarity. We lived under occupation. We know silence is death."
Kneecap directed fans to StopTheGenocide.info, a website that provides actions people can take, expert opinions that the situation in Gaza is a genocide, and background information about how the PSA was made.
Kneecap is not the story.
— KNEECAP (@KNEECAPCEOL) June 26, 2025
Genocide in Gaza is. pic.twitter.com/p4bWdyTG91
Kneecap's PSA was published less than ten days after Ó hAnnaidh was released on unconditional bail after a terrorism charge hearing in London.
Police allege that on November 21, 2024, Ó hAnnaidh displayed a flag at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town in London "in such a way or in such circumstances as to arouse reasonable suspicion that he is a supporter of a proscribed organisation, namely Hizballah, contrary to section 13(1)(b) and (3) of the Terrorism Act 2000."
Kneecap appear to have given their support to Hamas last November in London at their concert @O2ForumKTown. One member, draped in a Hezbollah flag, shouted to the crowd "up Hamas, up Hezbollah".
Watch below 🎥 pic.twitter.com/DidT6IxulE
— Danny Morris (@DannyMMorris) April 21, 2025
Kneecap slammed the charge as "political policing" and "a carnival of distraction."
"We are not the story. Genocide is," the group said, adding, "As they profit from genocide, they use an 'anti-terror law' against us for displaying a flag thrown on stage."
They vowed: "We are on the right side of history. You are not. We will fight you in court. We will win."
June 18, 2025: Kneecap's Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh - aka Mo Chara - leaving Westminster Magistrates' Court. (Getty Images)
In April, Kneecap made headlines for their performance at the California music festival Coachella, where they displayed messages on stage that said: "Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people.
"It is being enabled by the US government who arm and fund Israel despite their war crimes.
"F--k Israel. Free Palestine."
The display was the source of debate for the next week or so. Some called for Kneecap to lose their work visas and to be dropped from upcoming gigs. Kneecap, meanwhile, said they received "hundreds of violent Zionist threats," and later called the reaction a "smear campaign."
Kneecap is due to perform at the massive Glastonbury music festival on Saturday - about a week after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he did not think it was appropriate for them to play.
“I think we need to come down really clearly on this," Starmer told The Sun. "I won’t say too much, because there’s a court case on, but I don’t think that’s appropriate.”
Kneecap responded: "You know what's 'not appropriate' Keir?! Arming a f--king genocide... F--k The Sun and solidarity with Palestine Action."
You know what's "not appropriate" Keir?!
Arming a fucking genocide...
Fuck The Sun and solidarity with Palestine Action. 🇵🇸 pic.twitter.com/Vls2xi861K
— KNEECAP (@KNEECAPCEOL) June 21, 2025
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