Kneecap Cancels U.S. Tour, Calling U.K. Terrorism Charge a ‘Witch Hunt’

The Northern Irish rap group, Kneecap, has canceled its U.S. tour, citing a "witch hunt" surrounding a terrorism charge in the U.K. One member of the group is accused of displaying a flag supporting Hezbollah, a Lebanese political and paramilitary organization designated as a terrorist group by the U.S. and other countries. Kneecap, known for its anti-Israel and pro-Palestinian views, claims the charge is a politically motivated attempt to suppress their message. The group has decided to focus on its upcoming U.K. and European tour, stating that the U.S. tour would be too much of a "distraction" given the ongoing legal issues. The cancellation of the U.S. tour has sparked debate around the intersection of politics, free speech, and the treatment of artists with controversial views. The case highlights the challenges faced by musicians who engage in political activism, particularly when it comes to navigating complex legal and security concerns.