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Controversial Split: Kneecap and Independent Artist Group Part Ways

The Irish hip-hop group Kneecap has officially parted ways with their booking agency, Independent Artist Group, as confirmed by sources to The Hollywood Reporter.

Uncertain Reasons Behind the Split

The reasons for this separation remain unclear, occurring between the first and second weekends of the Coachella music festival. Kneecap faced significant backlash from Jewish music executives and organizations after they delivered a provocative message—“fuck Israel, free Palestine”—during their performance at Coachella last weekend. Following their first weekend set, the band alleged that Coachella had censored their pro-Palestine messages from the festival’s official livestream. While the second weekend’s performance was not live-streamed, images of their onstage projections circulated widely on social media.

Agency Confirmation and Future Prospects

A representative from IAG, which boasts a roster that includes Billy Joel, Metallica, and Mary J. Blige, confirmed that the agency no longer represents Kneecap but did not provide additional details. IAG was established in 2023 through the merger of mid-sized agencies APA and AGI. Kneecap’s management has yet to respond to requests for comment. The group has a packed touring schedule ahead, with major festival appearances planned at Primavera Sound in Spain and Glastonbury in England this June.

Challenges Ahead for Kneecap

With the band now seeking a new booking agency, the pressing question is who will step in to represent them. They may face challenges in finding a new agency, especially as organizations like the Creative Community for Peace have labeled it “outrageous” for Coachella’s organizers, AEG and Goldenvoice, to have showcased them during a time of heightened antisemitism. Critics have pointed to statements made by Kneecap in support of Hamas and Hezbollah, both designated as foreign terrorist organizations by the U.S.

Response to Criticism

In response to the backlash, Kneecap’s Mo Chara spoke to Rolling Stone on Wednesday, asserting that their message targets “the Israeli government’s sickening actions, not ordinary people.”

Commitment to Advocacy

“We believe we have an obligation to use our platform to raise awareness about Palestine, and it was crucial for us to speak out at Coachella, as the USA is the primary funder and supplier of weapons to Israel during its actions in Gaza,” Chara emphasized.

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Persons

Mo Chara

Company Names

Independent Artist Group, IAG, Coachella, AEG, Goldenvoice

Titles

None

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