Michael CooperBelfast rap group Kneecap have gained their discrimination case in opposition to the UK authorities after a minister withdrew an arts grant.
The choice by the then Secretary of State for Business and Trade Kemi Badenoch was described by Kneecap's barrister in courtroom as “unlawful and procedurally unfair”.
The group was awarded £14,250 – the identical quantity they have been initially given.
In an announcement, the band stated that Badenoch, now chief of the Conservative Party, and his division had “tried to silence us and failed”.
A spokesperson for the division stated the choice was taken to not proceed with the band's problem as a result of “we do not believe it is in the public interest”.
He added: “The priority for this government is to try to reduce costs and help taxpayers avoid further expenses.”
He stated the music trade is “the heart and soul of the economy” and the federal government is “committed to helping acts thrive and enter new markets”.
Kneecap initially utilized for the grant, allotted to help UK-registered artists in international markets in December 2023.
The group, which has confronted controversy for its lyrics and political viewpoints, was profitable in its utility, however was later prevented from receiving funding after the Department of Trade and Commerce intervened.
At the time, a spokesman for the then UK Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch stated that they didn’t need to hand taxpayers' cash “to people who oppose the United Kingdom”.
Band member DJ Prova beforehand described the blocked funding as “an attack on artistic culture, an attack on the Good Friday Agreement and an attack on us and our way of expressing ourselves”.
Who are the kneecaps?
luke brennanKneecap are an Irish-speaking rap trio from west Belfast who’ve courted controversy with their provocative lyrics and merchandise.
The group was fashioned in 2017 by three associates who go by the stage names Mo Chara, Mowgli Bap and DJ Provai.
His rise to fame impressed a semi-fictional movie starring Oscar-nominated actor Michael Fassbender.
The movie obtained crucial acclaim and gained the Audience Award on the Sundance Film Festival.
However, the group has confronted criticism and censorship over their politically charged, profanity-laden, and drug-referenced lyrics.
His use of problem-related imagery has angered some critics.
With inputs from BBC
