Kneecap to Sue Canadian Government Over Entry Ban, Denounce Allegations as “Baseless”
TORONTO - Belfast-based rap group Kneecap has announced it will pursue legal action against Canada’s parliamentary secretary for combating crime, Vince Gasparro, following a decision to bar the band from entering the country. The move, announced Friday, stems from allegations of support for terrorism and antisemitic hate speech, claims the band vehemently denies.
Gasparro stated the decision was made “on the advice of officials” due to actions and statements by Kneecap, which he asserted “amplified political violence” and ”publicly displayed support for terrorist organisations.” He specifically cited alleged support for Hezbollah and Hamas, stating these were “perilous endorsements of violence and hate,” not legitimate political critique. Gasparro also noted that one member of the group is currently facing terrorism-related charges in the UK.
“Our government will not tolerate the advocating of political violence, terrorism or antisemitism and hate more broadly,” Gasparro said in a statement. He clarified that while criticism of foreign governments is protected,”advocating for political violence,glorifying terrorist organisations,and displaying hate symbols that directly target the Jewish community are not protected forms of expression.”
kneecap swiftly responded to the allegations, calling Gasparro’s remarks “wholly untrue and deeply malicious.” In a statement posted on social media,the band refuted the claims and announced thier intent to sue.
“No member of Kneecap has been convicted of any crime in any country ever,” the band stated. They also pointed to a recent article in The Times newspaper in England,which described their London show as “emphatically anti-sectarian.”
The band further stated their legal challenge is a defense against attempts “to silence our opposition to a genocide being committed by Israel.” They pledged to donate any winnings from the lawsuit “to assist some of the thousands of child amputees in Gaza.”
The dispute began on september 19, 2025, when Gasparro announced the band’s ineligibility to enter Canada, effective promptly.
