Brendan Cox, the widower of murdered MP Jo Cox, has urged the band Kneecap to issue a “genuine apology” following the release of video footage in which the group allegedly appeared to incite violence against MPs.
This follows a statement from the band defending their actions and offering an apology to the families of Jo Cox and Sir David Amess, both murdered MPs, in a post on X published Monday night.
Kneecap stated the video in question was “an extract of footage, deliberately taken out of all context, now being exploited and weaponised as if it were a call to action”.
Responding to the controversy, the Prime Minister’s official spokesperson said: “They should apologise. I believe their response has appeared half-hearted.”
Brendan Cox, whose wife was murdered in June 2016, described the band’s response as “only half an apology.”
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper commented on Tuesday, stating: “What they are reported to have said is utterly disgraceful.”
She told Times Radio, “I hope everyone involved—not just the band, but also their associates and event organisers—reflect on the consequences of such remarks and take responsibility.”
In the House of Commons, Conservative MP Mark Francois labelled the band’s statement a “crocodile tears apology” and argued that Kneecap should not be permitted to perform at Glastonbury during the ongoing police investigation.
Home Office Minister Dan Jarvis also criticised the group and urged Glastonbury’s organisers to “consider carefully” who they invite to perform this year.
Ireland’s Tánaiste, Simon Harris, said he understood the need for Kneecap to clarify any comments attributed to them.
Addressing the Irish Cabinet, Mr Harris emphasised the importance of focusing on the humanitarian situation in Gaza, where children continue to lose their lives.
Appearing on Radio Ulster’s Talkback programme on Tuesday, Mr Cox criticised the band for framing themselves as victims of a conspiracy, saying this undermined the authenticity of their apology.
Kneecap’s statement rejected “any suggestion that we would seek to incite violence against any MP or individual. Ever.”
The group also extended “heartfelt apologies” to the families of Sir David Amess and Jo Cox, assuring no harm was ever intended.
The footage involving Kneecap is under review by counter-terrorism police. Conservative Party chair Kemi Badenoch has called for prosecution in this case.
On Tuesday, the Eden Sessions in Cornwall announced cancellation of Kneecap’s 4 July performance.
During an RTÉ Prime Time interview, manager Daniel Lambert downplayed concerns over the band’s scheduled Glastonbury appearance, insisting, “It’s about having conviction in our actions.”
Meanwhile, Katie Amess, daughter of Sir David Amess, who was murdered in 2021, reiterated the need for a direct apology from the group.
Speaking to BBC News NI, Ms Amess noted she had yet to be contacted personally by the band.
She said, “A genuine apology should be direct; otherwise, it remains generic. It would be meaningful to hear from them personally.”
Ms Amess also criticised the statement, saying it lacked accountability, and emphasised the need to allow authorities to carry out their work.
She suggested that a sincere apology should go beyond social media and involve genuine efforts to make amends.
Ms Amess confirmed her willingness to meet with the band.
Jo Cox, the former Batley and Spen MP, was fatally attacked by a far-right extremist in June 2016, shortly before the EU referendum.
Brendan Cox stated that Kneecap’s apology failed to fully acknowledge the seriousness of their remarks.
“Losing someone so close is a daily loss. The gravity of what was said has not been properly addressed,” he remarked.
Mr Cox further emphasised the remarks were not offhand, characterising them as a clear incitement to violence within a political context.
He added, “While I doubt the intent was literal, the risk of someone acting on these words cannot be ignored.”
He called for the band to “reflect deeply” on whether they wish to be associated with such rhetoric.
“A more comprehensive and honest reflection on their actions is needed,” he added.
Mr Cox noted that for any remorse to be believed, it must go beyond salvaging career opportunities and address the underlying issue.
He also criticised Kneecap’s reference to Gaza, describing it as unacceptable to invoke that cause to deflect from the current controversy.
Mr Cox concluded, “Regardless of political affiliation, there is no justification for incitement to violence against parliamentarians or civilians; this is a principle everyone should support.”
In their statement, Kneecap claimed, “They want you to believe words are more harmful than genocide.”
The band condemned “all attacks on civilians, always,” and asserted that they “do not, and have never, supported Hamas or Hezbollah.”
Manager Daniel Lambert told RTÉ’s Prime Time that the current debate constituted “moral hysteria,” and argued the band were being held to different standards than politicians.
He pointed to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, suggesting focus on Kneecap was misplaced given ongoing events there.
He further alleged a campaign to silence artists, stating, “This is about deplatforming, not just what Kneecap may or may not have said.”
Both Hamas and Hezbollah are banned in the UK, and expressing support for these organisations is a criminal offence.
On 7 October 2023, Hamas launched an attack on Israel, resulting in over 1,200 deaths, mostly civilians, and the abduction of 251 hostages.
Israel’s subsequent military response has led to over 52,000 Palestinian deaths, predominantly civilians, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry.
Last week, Sharon Osbourne called for Kneecap’s US visas to be revoked.
This followed their performances at California’s Coachella festival, where the band expressed strong pro-Palestinian views.
On social media, Osbourne, a television personality and former America’s Got Talent judge, said the hip-hop trio had “incorporated aggressive political statements” into their set.
Kneecap refuted this characterisation, responding that “statements aren’t aggressive, but killing 20,000 children is.”
The group’s current visas are no longer valid, and they are reportedly seeking a new sponsor ahead of their sold-out North American tour scheduled for October.
Kneecap, known for performing in Irish and for provocative lyrics and slogans, are a rap trio that has repeatedly sparked controversy.
The group was founded in 2017 by three friends: Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap, and DJ Próvaí.
Their unconventional rise inspired a semi-fictional film featuring Oscar-nominated actor Michael Fassbender.
The production recently earned a British Academy Film Award (Bafta) in February 2025.
The Denbighshire-born singer sold five million records with The Alarm and faced a three-decade cancer battle.
Police are investigating the Londonderry assault on 21-year-old Connor Muirhead as a sectarian hate incident.
In 1976, ten workmen aged between 19 and 58 were murdered by the IRA at Kingsmills.
While the Irish band are renowned for provocation, the current dispute has led to heightened scrutiny and public outcry.
The 9-1 GCSE grading system was introduced in England in 2017.