Coachella scandal: Sharon Osbourne slams festival over pro-terrorist messages

Sharon Osbourne has publicly condemned the Coachella music festival for allowing what she described as inflammatory and anti-Israel rhetoric to be showcased on stage, specifically calling out the Irish rap group Kneecap. In a powerful social media statement, Osbourne, wife of rock icon Ozzy Osbourne, criticized the festival’s organizers, Goldenvoice, for enabling what she views as the politicization of a global music event meant to unify through art, not divide through ideological activism.

The controversy centers on Kneecap’s performance during Coachella 2025, where the group displayed visuals containing messages such as “F*** Israel, Free Palestine” and accused the Israeli government of committing genocide. Kneecap also likened the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to Ireland’s own colonial past, drawing applause from some and outrage from others. Osbourne, who is of Ashkenazi Jewish heritage, was particularly incensed by what she labeled as support for terrorist organizations, and she called for the revocation of the band's U.S. work visas, urging fans and the public to support her stance.

Highlighting the emotional impact of the Nova Music Festival exhibit, a tribute to the 1,400 civilians murdered by Hamas on October 7, Osbourne questioned how Goldenvoice CEO Paul Tollett could attend the exhibit and still allow Kneecap’s performance. “It is difficult to comprehend how someone who witnessed the tragedy of October 7 firsthand could book a band that echoes support for those responsible,” she wrote.

The band’s agency, Independent Artist Group, also faced criticism from Osbourne, who said it was “disheartening” that individuals within the organization who are of Jewish heritage did not intervene to stop the band's messaging. Coachella organizers have since been accused by Kneecap of censoring their performance in livestreams, though those claims remain unverified.

Meanwhile, survivors of the Nova Festival issued a call for empathy and understanding, inviting Kneecap to visit the Nova Exhibit to witness the pain caused by the attack. Osbourne concluded by reiterating that music should be a refuge from global unrest, not a podium for political propaganda or hate.