French Town Cancels Music Festival Funding Over Kneecap Booking
Paris Suburb Withdraws Festival Funding Over Kneecap Booking
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Saint-Cloud cites band’s “political action” and “calls to violence”
Paris, France – The Paris suburb of Saint-Cloud has withdrawn a €40,000 subsidy for the annual Rock-en-Seine music festival, citing the booking of Belfast rap band Kneecap. The decision comes amid ongoing controversy surrounding the Irish-language and English-performing trio, who have faced backlash for their comments about Gaza and a terrorism-related charge against one of its members.
Controversy Follows Band’s Coachella Performance
Kneecap has been a frequent subject of headlines since their performance at the Coachella festival in April, where they encountered american criticism for their remarks about Gaza during the gig. This controversy led to the cancellation of several of their subsequent shows, with UK ministers, including Prime Minister Keir starmer, publicly denouncing the group’s appearance at the Glastonbury festival.
The band is scheduled to perform on the final day of the Rock-en-Seine festival, which is set to take place from August 21st to august 24th.
Saint-Cloud City Hall’s Statement
In a statement released late on Wednesday, Saint-Cloud city hall explained that the subsidy had been agreed upon before the festival’s final lineup was announced. the decision to withdraw the funding was made on July 3rd.
The city hall emphasized its respect for the festival’s programming freedom, stating it had not attempted to influence the lineup. However, it clarified its stance: “On the other hand, it does not finance political action, nor demands, and even less calls to violence, such as calls to kill lawmakers, whatever their nationality.”
Rock-en-Seine was unavailable for immediate comment.
Legal Troubles and Band’s Defense
The controversy intensified when Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, a member of Kneecap known by his stage name Mo Chara, was charged in May with a terrorism offense. The charge relates to the alleged display of a flag belonging to Hizbullah, an Iranian-backed militant group proscribed as a terrorist institution in Britain.
Kneecap has denied the allegations, with the band asserting that its members do not support Hamas or Hizbullah.