Irish rap group wins legal fight against UK minister over denied funding
Irish rap trio gets £14‚250 after proving governmentʼs funding denial was against law. Money will go to youth clubs while raising questions about artistic freedom and political views
Belfast-based rap group wins court battle against UK government in a funding-row that ended with tax-payers covering the bill. The three-person band Kneecap proved discrimination in their high-profile case about nine months after initial grant denial
The group (known for its anti-UK views) arrived at Belfast High Court in an old-style police car: their funding request of £14250 was first okʼd by British music industry but later blocked by then-business secretary Kemi Badenoch. Courtʼs decision states the refusal was “unlawful and procedurally unfair“
This was an attack on artistic culture‚ an attack on the Good Friday Agreement itself and an attack on Kneecap
The band members - Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh‚ Naoise Ó Caireallain and JJ Ó Dochartaigh - formed their group about 7 years ago and got attention for their bold style; including wearing tri-colored balaclavas. Their win isnt about cash though - theyʼll split money between:
- Protestant community youth club
- Catholic community youth club
Badenoch called governments choice to settle “cowardly“ saying UK shouldnt fund those who dont support it. Department for Business and Trade noted they settled to cut extra costs; pointing out their music export scheme helped round 400 artists tour world-wide
