KNEECAP HAS LABELLED a decision by the government in Hungary to ban them from entering the country over their stance on Israel’s war in Gaza as “political distraction”. 

The rap trio were due to play the Sziget festival, one of the largest music and arts events in Europe, on Monday 11 August. However, a government minister has confirmed that it has banned the group from entering the country.

In a post on X, communications minister Zoltan Kovacs accused the band of “antisemitism” and “glorifying terror”. Attached to the post was a copy of the documents outlining the ban, which are written in Hungarian.

In a statement this afternoon, Kneecap apologised to “the tens and thousands of fans who we were buzzing to see in person at Sziget”. 

A message for all who'd hoped to see us on stage at Sziget in 2 weeks👇❤️ pic.twitter.com/JKFuKIkAf4

— KNEECAP (@KNEECAPCEOL) July 24, 2025

“The authoritarian government of Viktor Orban say we “pose a national security threat”. Which is fucking outrageous coming from a man who welcomed Netanyahu, a wanted war criminal, like a hero just a few weeks ago,” the band said. 

“There is no legal basis for his actions, no member of Kneecap has ever been convicted of any crime in any country. We stand against all hate crimes and Kneecap champions love and solidarity as well as calling out injustices whenever we see it.

It’s clear that this is political distraction and a further attempt to silence those who call out genocide against the Palestinian people.

The band concluded: “Much like the good people of Budapest, who defied their own President’s ban on their ‘Pride Parade’ in June, we will fight on for what is right.”

Sziget Festival’s UK-based press team said it received notice of the Hungarian government’s intention to deny entry to Kneecap in order to prevent them from performing at the event.

“This is an unprecedented move which we believe is both unnecessary and regrettable,” the festival said.

It said that it has “liaised closely” with Kneecap, who have assured event organisers that their performance “would not contravene either Sziget’s values or Hungarian law”.

It added: “Sziget Festival’s values mean we condemn hate speech, while guaranteeing the fundamental right to artistic freedom of expression for every performer. Cancel culture and cultural boycotts are not the solution.”

Sziget, which has been held in Hungary annually for over 30 years, said it sees its event as a “free and safe space for different cultures” and hosts artists and visitors from around the world.

“We fear that government’s decision announced today to ban Kneecap may not only damage the reputation of Sziget, but also negatively affect Hungary’s standing worldwide.

“Sziget Festival will continue to do everything in its power to remain, in every sense, The Island of Freedom,” it added.

Kneecap are known for their confrontational style and pro-Palestinian activism. They have criticised Israel for the country’s war in Gaza and have also accused the country of committing a genocide against the Palestinian people.

They have consistently denied accusations of antisemitism or any connection with terrorism. Band member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh currently faces charges in the UK relating to its terror laws, which the band have staunchly denied.

Ó hAnnaidh, stage name Mo Chara, is due to appear before a judge in London in August.

In a separate post, Kovasc said Hungary has a “duty to protect” Jews living in the country and “has zero tolerance for antisemitism in any form”. He added that if they tried to enter the country, the band members would be deported.

Hungary is one of Israel’s closest allies in the EU.

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has directed police to shut down pro-Palestinian rallies, has removed the country from the International Criminal Court and has welcomed his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, to participate in a state visit.

The band has yet to respond to the announcement.

Sziget is set to take place in Budapest – on the Óbudai-Sziget island on the Danube river – across 6 to 11 August. Kingfishr and Sally C are other Irish acts set to take the stages at the event over the week.