Canada bars Irish rap band Kneecap from entry over alleged terrorism support

Canada announced Friday, September 19, it will bar entry to Irish rap band Kneecap, citing the group's alleged support for terrorist organizations including Hamas and Hezbollah. The Kneecap ban prevents the band from performing scheduled Canadian concerts next month.

Parliamentary Secretary for Combating Crime Vince Gasparro delivered the announcement via video message on X, outlining the government's rationale for the Kneecap entry restriction.

"The group have amplified political violence and publicly displayed support for terrorist organizations such as Hezbollah and Hamas," Gasparro said in his announcement. The Canadian official characterized the band's actions as dangerous endorsements.


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"They are dangerous endorsements of violence and hate," Gasparro stated. "The members of Kneecap have been deemed ineligible to enter Canada."

The Kneecap ban follows the band's controversial pro-Palestinian stance and previous international incidents involving the Irish rap group.

Band member faces terrorism charges in London case

Kneecap member Liam O'Hanna, performing under stage name Mo Chara, faces terrorism offense charges related to a London concert incident. O'Hanna allegedly brandished a banned Hezbollah flag during the November 2024 performance.

The band member also allegedly stated "Up Hamas, up Hezbollah" at the London gig, referring to Iranian-funded anti-Israel militant groups. The charges contribute to Canada's decision to implement the Kneecap entry ban.

Kneecap has experienced multiple concert cancellations and country restrictions due to their political statements and pro-Palestinian activism throughout their recent tour activities.

Government cites anti-terrorism and hate prevention policies

Canadian officials justified the Kneecap ban through existing anti-terrorism and hate prevention frameworks. The government emphasized its commitment to preventing the advocacy of political violence within Canadian borders.

"Our government will not tolerate the advocating of political violence, terrorism or Anti-Semitism and hate more broadly," Gasparro wrote in his official statement.

The Kneecap entry restriction aligns with Canada's broader policies regarding individuals deemed supportive of designated terrorist organizations.

Kneecap denies accusations and plans legal action

Kneecap responded to the Canadian ban through social media statements, disputing Gasparro's characterizations of their activities. The band described the Parliamentary Secretary's comments as inaccurate and defamatory.

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"We will be relentless in defending ourselves against baseless accusations to silence our opposition to a genocide being committed by Israel," the band said in their response.

In messages posted on social media, Kneecap said Gasparro's comments were "wholly untrue and deeply malicious," adding that it planned to file suit against him. The Irish rap group indicated intentions to pursue legal remedies against the Canadian official's statements.