Irish rap trio Kneecap will face no further action following their Glastonbury performance, police have said.
Avon and Somerset Police said there is “insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction for any offence”.
The investigation was announced in June after officers reviewed video footage and audio recordings from the sets of Kneecap and punk duo Bob Vylan at the festival in Somerset.
The force said it is still investigating comments made by rapper Bobby Vylan, who led crowds at the festival’s West Holts stage in chants of “Free, free Palestine” and “Death, death to the IDF [Israel Defence Forces]”.
A member of Kneecap, who performed on the West Holts stage in the slot directly after Bob Vylan, joked that fans “start a riot” at his bandmate’s forthcoming court appearance related to a terrorism charge. He later clarified: “No riots, just love and support, and support for Palestine.”
On Friday, the group, comprised of Liam Og O hAnnaidh, Naoise O Caireallain, and JJ O Dochartaigh, posted a screenshot to social media from an email that appeared to be from a senior investigating officer.
In the caption of their post, Kneecap said: “One element of the political policing intimidation attempt is over.
“We played a historic set at Glastonbury. Whole area closed an hour before due to crowds. A celebration of love and solidarity. A sea of good people at the world’s most famous festival.”
O hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, was charged in May with a terrorism offence relating to displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London, during a gig in November 2024.
The group said their actions, including holding the Hezbollah flag, had been taken out of context.
They claim the controversies surrounding the group are part of a smear campaign against them because of their vocal support for Palestine and criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza, which they say is a genocide.
Avon and Somerset Police said: “An investigation has been carried out into comments about a forthcoming court case made during Kneecap’s performance at Glastonbury Festival on Saturday 28 June.
“Detectives sought advice from the Crown Prosecution Service during their enquiries and after that advice, we have made the decision to take no further action on the grounds there is insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction for any offence.”
