Kneecap member charged with terror offence
Mr Ó hAnnaidh, who performs under the name Mo Chara, is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court next month
A member of Irish language hip-hop group Kneecap has been charged with a terror offence after allegedly displaying a flag in support of proscribed organisation Hezbollah at a London gig.
Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, 27, has been charged by the Metropolitan Police after an incident on 21 November 2024 at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, London.
Mr Ó hAnnaidh, who performs under the name Mo Chara, is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 18 June.
In a statement posted on social media, Kneecap said: “We deny this ‘offence’ and will vehemently defend ourselves.”Kneecap are an Irish-speaking rap trio who have courted controversy with their provocative lyrics and merchandise.
The group was formed in 2017 by three friends who go by the stage names of Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí.
Their rise to fame inspired a semi-fictionalised film starring Oscar-nominated actor Michael Fassbender.
The film won a British Academy of Film Award (Bafta) in February 2025.
In April, the group faced criticism and cancelled gigs after displaying messages about the war in Gaza during their set at US music festival Coachella last month.
They were dropped by their US visa sponsor and booking agent Independent Artist Group (IAG) and former X Factor judge Sharon Osbourne called for Kneecap’s US work visas to be revoked.
Following this, footage emerged from previous gigs, which were investigation by counter-terrorism officers.
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch shared one of the videos and renewed her criticism of the Labour government for last year settling a legal case brought by the group.
It related to a decision Badenoch made when she was a minister to withdraw an arts grant.
