Sharon Osbourne Demands U.S. Work Visas for Kneecap Be Revoked Following Coachella Controversy
Sharon Osbourne, a prominent TV personality and music manager, stirred controversy when she called for the U.S. work visas of Irish hip hop group Kneecap to be revoked. This demand arose after the band’s provocative performance at Coachella, where they delivered a strong pro-Palestine message. Osbourne took to her X account on April 21, 2025, to voice her criticism towards both the band and the festival organizers for permitting such a political display.
About Kneecap: A Political Hip Hop Collective
Kneecap, comprising members Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap, and DJ Próvaí—who perform under the names Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, Naoise Ó Cairealláin, and J.J. Ó Dochartaigh—are known for infusing political commentary into their music. Their debut single, “C.E.A.R.T.A.”(translating to ‘rights’ in Irish), set the tone for their message-driven style.
The Coachella Performance: A Platform for Protest
During their set at Coachella, Kneecap openly displayed slogans like “F*ck Israel, Free Palestine.”Lead vocalist Mo Chara drew parallels between the Gaza situation and Ireland’s history under British rule, which sparked significant backlash. In her post, Osbourne, who has Irish and Jewish roots, lamented the festival’s choice to provide a stage for such messages.
“Coachella 2025 will be remembered as a festival that compromised its moral and spiritual integrity. Goldenvoice, the festival organizer, facilitated this by allowing artists to use the Coachella stage as a platform for political expression.”
Osbourne argued that while artists have the freedom to express themselves, political discourse should remain within the bounds of concerts rather than large festivals. She labeled Kneecap’s messaging as “aggressive”and even classified it as “hate speech.”Her comments raised questions about the band’s future performances and their alleged support for terrorist entities.
A History of Political Commentary in Music
Interestingly, Osbourne’s own husband, Ozzy Osbourne of Black Sabbath, has a history of political statements in his music. Notable tracks like “War Pigs”(1970) and “Children of the Grave”(1971) reflect opposition to the Vietnam War, showcasing a legacy of political engagement in the music industry.
Response from Kneecap and Festival Organizers
In their debut performance at Coachella on April 11, Kneecap had also attempted to express support for Palestine through their lyrics, but their livestream was unexpectedly interrupted mid-performance. The band later expressed dissatisfaction regarding another message that failed to be televised:
“Not the only thing that was cut – our messaging on the US-backed genocide in Gaza somehow never appeared on screens either.”
On a proactive note, Kneecap responded to the situation by hiring their own camera crew for subsequent performances. They collaborated with political commentator Hasan Piker, who streamed their act live on Twitch, amplifying their message to a wider audience.
According to a report by *The Hollywood Reporter*, Coachella CEO Paul Tollett felt caught off guard by Kneecap’s actions. Osbourne’s post highlighted suspicions that Tollett was not completely surprised, as various industry insiders had raised concerns about Kneecap prior to their performance.
Official Responses Regarding U.S. Work Visas
A spokesperson from the U.S. State Department has refrained from commenting on the status of Kneecap’s work visas amid the uproar. As of now, the band has not publicly reacted to Sharon Osbourne’s critical remarks.
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