TikToker Faces Abuse After Livestreaming Kneecap’s Glastonbury Set

Yoga teacher’s act of defiance draws both praise and vitriol.

A yoga teacher is facing online abuse after she broadcasted **Kneecap’s** Glastonbury performance on TikTok to over two million viewers. The stream occurred because the BBC chose not to broadcast the performance, sparking debate about censorship and freedom of speech.

The Uncensored Stream

**Helen Wilson**, a Swansea-based yoga instructor and café owner, decided to livestream the Irish rap trio’s set after learning the BBC would not. She mentioned that she “just thought, I’m just going to livestream it because the BBC aren’t showing it. And I really disagreed with that.”

She did not anticipate the massive audience, noting it was only her second TikTok live stream. Initially, **Wilson** did not realize how many people were watching due to the sun’s glare on her screen.

According to recent data, TikTok’s user base continues to expand, with over 1.7 billion users worldwide in 2024, highlighting the platform’s reach (Statista).

The band expressed their gratitude, calling **Wilson** a “legend” and offering her free tickets to any of their shows.

Backlash and Support

**Wilson** reports receiving “obscene” abuse after the livestream. Insults included being called a Nazi and a “wrinkled old woman looking for attention.” Despite the negativity, **Wilson** said she received “hundreds and hundreds times more support than negativity.”

Speaking on the matter, **Wilson** stated, “This is about the genocide in Palestine, and this is about the failure of our government to act, to do anything about it.” She emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the situation in Palestine and opposing censorship of voices addressing these issues.

Band’s Political Statements

**Kneecap** has been outspoken about political issues. At a later performance supporting **Fontaines DC** in London, the band led 45,000 people in chants of “fuck **Keir Starmer**.”

Numerous other artists at Glastonbury also voiced support for Palestine, including **CMAT**, the **Libertines**, **Gary Lineker**, **Joy Crookes**, **TV on the Radio**, **Sorry**, and **Paloma Faith**. **Emily** and **Michael Eavis**, Glastonbury’s organizers, supported **Kneecap**, with **Emily** stating that “everyone is welcome” before their set.