Free Speech Hypocrisy Exposed by Kneecap: Uncensored and Unfiltered
The Mise Éire festival, scheduled for August 23, 2025, in Drumshanbo, Co Leitrim, has been cancelled amidst allegations of being associated with far-right and anti-immigration activism. Over 560 Irish artists, including Kneecap, Fontaines D.C., and Chris O'Dowd, signed an open letter opposing the event, accusing it of providing a platform for anti-immigration speakers and far-right views.
The Mayflower Community Centre, which was hosting the event, cited terms and conditions not being complied with as the reason for the cancellation, amidst the public pressure. Reports suggest that a far-right rally in Cork on the same day was cancelled to allow participants to attend Mise Éire instead.
Kneecap, the Irish rap trio, were actively involved in leading the opposition against the festival, being among the key signatories calling for its cancellation due to concerns over its far-right associations. However, their stance has been criticized by some for being contradictory, as articles highlight accusations of "free-speech hypocrisy" and "double standards." Despite this, Kneecap's management declined to comment on these accusations following the controversy.
The Mise Éire festival's organiser, Stephen Kerr, has been described as an 'anti-immigration activist' by local news reports. Kneecap's concerts have been cancelled across the UK and Europe due to their controversial activities, including a charge against Kneecap rapper Mo Chara with a terror offence in the UK for allegedly unfurling the flag of a proscribed organization - Hezbollah - at a gig in London.
The Mise Éire festival controversy has sparked a wave of discussion on the website, with opinion pieces by Brian Monteith about Brexit, Jenny Holland about feminism, Obadiah Mbatang about identity politics, and Hugo Timms about free speech. Timms' article, titled "Kneecap's nauseating free-speech hypocrisy," is particularly critical of Kneecap's stance.
In addition to the Mise Éire festival debate, the website also features a long-read article about the shock, awe, and terror of Hiroshima. The Brendan O'Neill Show also has a podcast published on the platform.
[1] The Irish Times - Mise Éire festival cancelled due to far-right allegations [2] The Guardian - Kneecap's nauseating free-speech hypocrisy [3] The Journal - Mise Éire festival cancelled amidst public pressure [4] RTÉ - Kneecap's silence on free-speech accusations [5] BBC News - Mise Éire festival cancelled over far-right allegations
- The Mise Éire festival's cancellation has been attributed to allegations of far-right associations, with multiple news outlets, including The Irish Times and BBC News, covering the story.
- The Guardian published an opinion piece, titled "Kneecap's nauseating free-speech hypocrisy," critically examining Kneecap's stance on free speech in relation to the Mise Éire festival controversy.
- The Journal reported on the Mise Éire festival's cancellation, suggesting that it resulted from public pressure, as well as alleged non-compliance with terms and conditions, following accusations of hosting far-right speakers.
- RTÉ featured a piece discussing Kneecap's silence in response to accusations of hypocrisy regarding free speech, following their active and public opposition to the Mise Éire festival.
- In addition to the Mise Éire festival debate, discussions on culture, politics, and identity – such as articles on Brexit, feminism, and identity politics – along with entertainment, music, and pop-culture pieces were found on the website, reflecting the broader societal context of the controversy.
