Paris Festival Rock en Seine Features Kneecap Amid Pro-Palestine Controversy and Funding Cuts

The annual Rock en Seine music festival in Paris proceeded with the performance of Irish rap group Kneecap, defying significant backlash from Jewish organizations and official pressure, which included the withdrawal of public subsidies. The Belfast-based trio, known for their vocal support of the Palestinian cause and criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, took the stage in Saint-Cloud on Sunday amidst a climate of heightened political tension surrounding the event.

Kneecap’s Political Stance Takes Center Stage

Kneecap has consistently used its platform to voice strong political opinions, frequently advocating for Palestinian rights and condemning what they describe as Israel’s “genocide” in Gaza. At the Rock en Seine festival, the group opened their set with chants of “Free, free Palestine!”, a move that garnered enthusiastic cheers from a segment of the audience, many of whom displayed keffiyehs and Irish jerseys. The band emphasized that their message was not directed against the Jewish people but against the actions of the Israeli state. During their performance, a backdrop displayed a message in French: “The French government is complicit: it sells and facilitates the trade of arms to the Israeli army,” further cementing their role as politically charged artists.

Festival Organizers Stand Firm Amidst Criticism

Despite mounting pressure, including calls from political figures like Macronist MP Caroline Yadan for their performance to be banned, Rock en Seine festival director Matthieu Ducos maintained that the group would perform “in the correct manner.” Festival owner Matthieu Pigasse supported this stance, describing attempts to link support for the Palestinian cause with a threat to public order as “deplorable.” Organizers asserted their commitment to artistic freedom, a principle that led them to keep Kneecap on the festival’s lineup. This decision followed similar instances where other European festivals, such as Hungary’s Sziget Festival, had canceled Kneecap’s appearances due to controversy.

Funding Cuts and Official Scrutiny

The controversy led to tangible financial consequences for the festival. The municipality of Saint-Cloud, a key local authority, withdrew its €40,000 subsidy for the event. Similarly, the wider Ile-de-France region, which encompasses Paris, also cancelled its funding for the 2025 edition. However, festival organizers indicated that these funding cuts would not jeopardize the event’s overall viability, given its substantial budget of approximately €16-17 million.

French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau had previously urged vigilance, warning against any “antisemitic remarks, apologies for terrorism, or incitement to hatred” during the festival. Jewish organizations, represented by Yonathan Arfi, president of the Representative Council of Jewish Institutions of France (CRIF), condemned Kneecap’s inclusion, accusing them of disrespecting the memory of victims of attacks by Hamas and Hezbollah. The group has previously faced accusations of antisemitism, which they vehemently deny, arguing that such claims are used to distract from their critique of the situation in Gaza.

Broader Context of Kneecap’s Activism

Kneecap, comprising members Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap, and DJ Próvaí, has a history of blending Irish republican themes with outspoken political commentary. One member, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh (Mo Chara), currently faces a terrorism-related charge in the UK for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag at a London concert. The band has consistently defended their activism, stating their primary concern is the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the pursuit of justice. Their approach has sparked widespread debate across Europe regarding the boundaries of free speech in artistic expression and the role of political messaging at music events.

Despite the disruptions, including brief interruptions from whistle-blowing protestors that were swiftly managed by security, Kneecap’s performance at Rock en Seine concluded without major incident, underscoring the festival’s commitment to showcasing the group amid the ongoing discourse surrounding their political activism and the broader cultural landscape.