The tragic events surrounding the death of Sir David Amess, a Conservative MP who was stabbed to death during a constituency surgery, have resurfaced with controversial comments made by the rap group Kneecap. The daughter of Sir David Amess, Katie Amess, has voiced her outrage over the alleged remarks made by the group calling for MPs to be killed. A video from a November 2023 gig depicts a member of Kneecap saying, “The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.” This disturbing rhetoric has sparked widespread condemnation and is currently under investigation by counter-terrorism police.
Katie Amess expressed her deep distress and hurt upon hearing the alleged comments made by Kneecap, stating that such dangerous and violent rhetoric is unacceptable in any context. The impact of these words on her family, following the tragic loss of her father, is immeasurable. Ms. Amess emphasized the gravity of the situation, highlighting the potential dangers that could arise from incendiary language like that allegedly used by Kneecap. The Metropolitan Police are reviewing additional footage from a performance in November 2024, where another concerning statement was made by the group.
In response to the controversy, Ms. Amess called on Kneecap to issue an apology to her and others who were offended by their remarks. She implored the group to reflect on the devastating consequences of their words, urging them to consider the lasting impact on her family and the memory of her father. Despite the pain caused by these comments, Ms. Amess expressed hope that Kneecap would take responsibility, educate their audience, and work towards promoting positive change. She even offered to meet with the group for a constructive conversation.
The government swiftly condemned any threats made towards individuals, reiterating the importance of upholding democratic values and preventing political intimidation. Various political figures, including Democratic Unionist Party leader Gavin Robinson, called for an investigation into Kneecap’s actions, highlighting the need to address hate speech and incitement to violence. While the group has faced criticism and repercussions for their controversial statements, no legal charges have been brought against them. This case underscores the ongoing debate surrounding free speech, art, and responsible conduct in the public sphere
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