**Kneecap’s Mo Chara Declares “I’m a Free Man” During Controversial Glastonbury Set**
Belfast-based rap group Kneecap captivated crowds at Glastonbury Festival’s West Holts Stage on Saturday, as member Mo Chara declared “Glastonbury, I’m a free man” amid ongoing controversy surrounding the group. The performance marked a significant moment, with festivalgoers showing strong support despite recent headlines involving the group and legal troubles for one member.
Liam Óg Ó Hannaidh, known on stage as Mo Chara, has been at the centre of media attention after being charged with a terror-related offence. Despite these allegations, the 27-year-old appeared confident and defiant, donning a keffiyeh as he faced the Glastonbury crowd. Fellow bandmate DJ Próvaí, whose real name is JJ Ó Dochartaigh, was equally striking in his trademark tri-coloured balaclava and a T-shirt bearing the message “We are all Palestine Action,” referencing the campaign group that is expected to soon be prohibited.
Prior to Kneecap’s set, festival-goers listened to news clips criticising the group, with some segments met by audible boos from the crowd. Access to the area surrounding the West Holts Stage was eventually closed about 45 minutes before the performance began, as a substantial throng of supporters – many waving Irish and Palestinian flags – gathered to witness the show.
The performance was particularly charged following political debate in the run-up to the festival, with several politicians, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, expressing the view that Kneecap’s participation was inappropriate given ongoing legal proceedings. Despite these calls, Kneecap remained on the bill, reinforcing Glastonbury’s longstanding reputation for promoting freedom of artistic expression.
The BBC, Glastonbury’s official broadcast partner, confirmed on Saturday that Mo Chara and Kneecap’s set would not be shown live but could be made available on-demand at a later date. A spokesman explained that while the broadcaster does not ban artists, programming must adhere to editorial guidelines and not every set is streamed in real-time. The final decision for making Kneecap’s performance available is pending a full review by the BBC, according to insiders.
Meanwhile, Kneecap responded to the BBC’s caution with a statement on social media, claiming that their set would still be released on iPlayer later in the evening, continuing to stoke debate over freedom of speech and the responsibilities of broadcasters in controversial situations.
Mo Chara’s legal troubles stem from allegations of displaying a Hezbollah flag and vocalising support for both Hezbollah and Hamas at a November 2023 gig. Supporters showed up in force at his most recent court appearance, with many donning “Free Mo Chara” T-shirts in a demonstration of solidarity. Mo Chara remains on unconditional bail, pending a further court date in August.
Spectators at Glastonbury were divided on whether Kneecap’s set should proceed, with some affirming that their inclusion aligned with the festival’s ethos. Gemma Gibson from Newcastle spoke to the PA news agency, voicing excitement and insisting that stifling the group would contradict what Glastonbury has traditionally stood for – a sentiment echoed by other festival fans.
Beyond the Kneecap controversy, Glastonbury saw several line-up changes and high-profile performances. Alternative metal band Deftones pulled out due to illness, with UK rapper Skepta stepping in for a much-anticipated set. Acts like the Kaiser Chiefs, Brandi Carlile, and Irish star CMAT also graced various stages, while music legend Neil Young was billed to headline the iconic Pyramid Stage, with the BBC confirming his performance would now be shown despite earlier reports to the contrary.
With prominent celebrities such as Harry Styles, Eddie Redmayne, and Emma Corrin sighted amongst the crowds, and a diverse line-up that included Charli XCX and Doechii, Glastonbury 2025 continues to generate headlines both for its music and its discussions about cultural expression, activism, and freedom. Kneecap’s unforgettable set will likely occupy a central place in this year’s festival narrative.