A member of the rap group Kneecap got themselves into a bit of trouble, according to the Metropolitan Police. Liam O’Hanna, also known as Mo Chara on stage, is facing charges related to a terror offense. The incident took place at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, North West London, during a gig on November 21 last year. The police said O’Hanna, who hails from Belfast, was charged for displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at the event. He will be making an appearance at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on June 18 after being charged by postal requisition.
The Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command got wind of an online video from the gig on April 22, which prompted an investigation. The Crown Prosecution Service gave the green light for the charge after looking into the matter. Kneecap, the Belfast rap trio, has been under scrutiny after videos surfaced allegedly showing the group advocating for the deaths of MPs and expressing support for Hamas and Hezbollah. This led to the cancellation of several of their gigs. Despite apologizing to the families of the deceased MPs last month, Kneecap insisted that the incident was blown out of proportion. They emphasized that they have never backed Hamas or Hezbollah, both of which are banned organizations in the UK. The controversy has sparked calls for the group to be banned, with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch leading the charge. Other politicians have also voiced their opinions, urging for Kneecap to be removed from the Glastonbury Festival lineup.
Not really sure why this matters, but Kneecap is scheduled to headline the Wide Awake festival in Brockwell Park on Friday night (May 23). It seems like there’s never a dull moment with this group, as they continue to make headlines for all the wrong reasons. It remains to be seen how this latest development will impact their future in the music industry. One thing’s for sure, Kneecap is definitely not shying away from controversy anytime soon.
