Late Late Show viewers praise Irish rappers Kneecap for highlighting Palestinian plight

Late Late Show viewers are praising Irish rappers Kneecap for highlighting the plight of Palestinians. 

In Friday night's (February 23) episode, the group - which consists of Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap, and DJ Provaí - joined host Patrick Kielty in the studio for an interview and performance. 

In the interview, Kielty mentioned that DJ Provaí - who appeared to be wearing a Palestinian shirt - had undergone a "change of costume". 

He said, "You've done a bit of a costume change here, there you go. I have to say, I'm obliged to say this, that our thoughts are with everybody in that conflict, some horrific stuff is happening there, I'm also obliged to say that in the politics there's another side and some people mightn't agree with what you've done, so." 

In response, Móglaí Bap said, "A hundred percent, but that's why we're here to use our platform to highlight the genocide in Palestine at the moment. Thirty thousand Palestinians have been murdered by American weapons and mostly, two thirds of them, are women and children.

"So I think we just have to use this platform as an opportunity to appeal to Irish people to attend rallies and protests and support the BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) movement to show solidarity to Palestine and hopefully, one day, Palestine will be free." 

Free Palestine

pic.twitter.com/tPq6JxNaAe

— KNEECAP (@KNEECAPCEOL) February 24, 2024

It comes just weeks after RTÉ asked members of the Irish Women in Harmony group to remove badges and clothing which suggested support for Palestine ahead of a live Late Late performance. 

Many commenters on social media praised the trio for their stance, with one X user stating: "Seriously impressed with Kneecap for having the balls to stand up for the people of Palestine." 

One person commented: "Kneecap proving the legends they are by using their big night to make it so strongly about Palestine. Maith sibh." 

A further comment stated: "Kneecap are legends, take a bow lads."

Another said: "I see kneecap are annoying all the right people again today. Like clockwork." 

One X user criticised RTÉ's stance on wearing Palestinian items in solidarity: "Why were the group of women singing in tribute to Sinéad O’Connor prevented from wearing Palestine solidarity badges/symbols but these guys Kneecap are wearing support symbols. The women should’ve been allowed." 

Not everyone agreed with Kneecap appearing on the show, however, with one X user stating: "Who booked these clowns?" 

Another person commented: "Where can we complain about these talentless clowns being allowed to spout their hatred courtesy of my and others licence fee?" 

A further X comment read: "A new low for the Late Late Show." 

The trio also spoke about how speaking Irish in Northern Ireland is "politicised" compared to the Republic, with Mo Chara stating: "What's political is subjective." 

Kneecap went on to perform their latest track 'Better Way to Live' - which has amassed almost 1 million streams on Spotify - to the live studio audience. 

Tickets to the trio's Fine Art tour are out now.