Sharon Osbourne has called for Irish rap group Kneecap to have their US work visas revoked following their pro-Palestinian performance at Coachella music festival.
The former X Factor judge criticised the Belfast trio for "incorporating aggressive political statements" during their set, which included anti-Israel messages.
Kneecap have hit back at Osbourne's comments, saying: "Statements aren't aggressive, murdering 20,000 children is though."
The controversy has sparked debate about political expression at music festivals, with Osbourne claiming that "music should serve as an escape, not a stage for political discourse".
The band is currently touring the US and Canada with several upcoming shows planned.
During Kneecap's performance at Coachella, a screen behind the band displayed the message: "Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people."
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The set also featured the lyrics: "It is being enabled by the US government, who arm and funds Israel despite their war crimes. F**k Israel, Free Palestine."
Band member Mo Chara delivered a speech about the Gaza conflict, saying: "The Irish, not so long ago, were persecuted at the hands of the Brits, but we were never bombed from the skies with nowhere to go. The Palestinians have nowhere to go."
The group led the audience in chants of "Free, free Palestine" during their performance, with Chara wearing a keffiyeh scarf, a symbol of Palestinian identity.
In a statement posted on social media, Osbourne said: "Coachella 2025 will be remembered as a festival that compromised its moral and spiritual integrity."
The group is being investigated for their messages
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She accused the band of projecting "anti-Israel messages and hate speech" and claimed they "openly support terrorist organisations".
Osbourne also directed criticism at festival organisers Goldenvoice, suggesting they facilitated political expression by allowing Kneecap to perform.
"Reports indicate that Goldenvoice was unaware of Kneecap's political intentions when they were booked. However, after witnessing their performance during the first weekend, allowing them to perform again the following weekend suggests support of their rhetoric and a lack of due diligence."
When asked by BBC News NI for a response, Kneecap replied: "Statements aren't aggressive, murdering 20,000 children is though."
Representatives for the band later expanded on this statement to The Independent, saying: "[Our] statements aren't aggressive. Murdering 20,000 children is, though. Or executing 15 medics and burying them and their ambulances."
It has been claimed Goldenvoice was "blindsided" by Kneecap's performance, though Osbourne alleged the organisers supported the band's message by allowing them to continue performing.
The stars had agreed opinions on the matter
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Osbourne, whose husband Ozzy Osbourne famously sang the anti-war song "War Pigs," argued that "while festivals like Coachella showcase remarkable talent from around the globe, music's primary purpose is to unite people."
She added: "While I respect their right to express their opinions, such discussions would have been more appropriate at their own concert, not at a festival."
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