Coachella promoters 'blindsided' by band's vulgar anti-Israel rhetoric at festival

"Kneecap followed up its Coachella set on social media with numerous video posts about their 'uncensored messaging' and a request for young Americans to send the clips to President Trump, whom they called a derogatory term that starts with a c," the Hollywood Reporter explained further.

Kneecap claimed last week that they were censored after pushing anti-Margaret Thatcher chants and other anti-Israel sentiments during their first show, which was reportedly cut off before their set ended.

The band doubled down during their most recent performance at their weekend two show that offended the Jewish community. Sonora, a venue that typically platforms punk artists, reportedly did not livestream their second performance when organizers expected the band to double down on anti-Israel sentiments.

Formed in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in 2017, the band is notably a politically charged group that typically calls for Ireland to sever ties with British rule. However, Goldenvoice, the company that promoted Coachella, was shocked by Kneecap's behavior after Jewish groups reached out to the company to address the anti-Israel remarks.

The Hollywood Reporter cites insiders as saying that the CEO of Goldenvoice, Paul Tollett, was "blindsided."

The report also cites music manager Scooter Braun defending Tollett after the backlash against Kneecap's performance.

"Paul is a good man and has been an outspoken advocate on behalf of survivors of the Nova Music Festival," Braun wrote on his Instagram on Sunday. 

Braun explained further that Tollett had attended a Los Angeles memorial exhibit that he created to honor the hundreds who lost their lives in the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas terrorists. 

"He not only attended the exhibit but stayed for five hours and then sat with survivors," Braun said.