Music
24 Jul 25

KNEECAP respond to Hungary ban ahead of Sziget Festival performance

"It's clear this is political distraction and a further attempt to silence those who call out genocide against the Palestinian people," KNEECAP said.

In a statement posted on social media, KNEECAP have responded to the Hungarian government's decision to ban them from entering or performing in the country.

The trio was originally scheduled to perform at the Sziget Festival on August 11. Earlier today, a government spokesperson announced on social media that they would be barred from entering the country for three years, claiming that the performance "posed a national security threat."

"To the tens of thousands of fans who we were buzzing to see in person at Sziget, we're sorry we won't be with you," wrote KNEECAP in the statement.

KNEECAP called the ban "fucking outrageous," given Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán warmly welcomed Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu to Budapest earlier this year.

"There is no legal basis for his actions, no member of Kneecap has ever been convicted of any crime in any country," KNEECAP wrote.

"We stand against all hate crimes and Kneecap champions love and solidarity as well as calling out injustices where we see it."

The band reiterated an earlier post from their manager saying that the ban is a "political distraction" due to their outspoken support of Palestine.

"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," KNEECAP wrote.

Last month, upwards of 200,000 people marched in Budapest for Pride despite a government ban on the event. The parade was Hungary's largest anti-government demonstration in years. Shortly after the Pride parade ban was announced, the Sziget Festival posted in support of the LGBTQ+ community, writing, "We believe that Pride belongs in the streets of Budapest — open, visible, and accessible to all."

Today, Sziget organisers called the decision to ban KNEECAP from Hungary "an unprecedented move which we believe is both unnecessary and regrettable" and expressed concern that the decision "may not only damage the reputation of Sziget, but also negatively affect Hungary's standing worldwide."

KNEECAP condemned the far-right leader of Hungary, wrapping up their statement with "Fuck Viktor Orban."

Read the full statement from KNEECAP below: