Irish rap group Kneecap is suing Harvey Yesno, an Eabametoong First Nation political figure, for defamation over a statement that falsely accused them of supporting Hamas and Hezbollah. The statement first appeared on a pro-Israel website and was republished widely. An Irish court has granted permission to serve proceedings in Canada, finding that Ireland is the appropriate forum.
The Irish rap group Kneecap has initiated legal proceedings in Ireland against Harvey Yesno, a political figure from the Eabametoong First Nation, over an online statement published last July that opposed scheduled Kneecap performances at venues located on indigenous ancestral lands in Canada.
The group alleges the statement contained false allegations, including claims that they support the political and militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah. The statement first appeared on the website of Indigenous Embassy Jerusalem, a pro-Israel organization, and was later republished on other platforms and amplified by media outlets. The rap group claims the statement caused damage to their reputations as professional artists and public figures.
They also allege that Yesno has advocated publicly in support of the state of Israel, which they note is actively engaged in campaigning against them and their art. At a hearing on Wednesday, Judge Cian Ferriter granted permission for the band-represented by Tom Hogan of counsel, with Peter Girvan instructed by Phoenix Law's Darragh Mackin-to serve notice of the proceedings in both Irish and English on Yesno at an address in Ontario, Canada.
The judge said the band had met the requisite legal test for bringing the lawsuit and was satisfied they had an arguable case that they had been defamed in Ireland. He noted that Ireland was the appropriate forum for the lawsuit, as the band members are Irish citizens whose personal and professional reputations are "bound up" with this jurisdiction. He also highlighted that their identity as Irish language and Irish culture activists is "very much bound up" in this jurisdiction.
The judge added that it remains open to Yesno to challenge the court's decision to allow the service of proceedings. The case centers on the intersection of free speech, reputational harm, and cross-border defamation. The band's legal team will need to establish that the statement was published with negligence or malice and that it caused harm in Ireland. The defense may argue issues of jurisdiction, fair comment, or privilege.
The involvement of the Indigenous Embassy Jerusalem, a pro-Israel group, adds a geopolitical dimension, as the band has been vocal about their opposition to Israeli policies. The outcome could have implications for how online statements targeting artists are litigated across international boundaries. Latest unrelated headlines: Take court-prosecution decisions away from gardaí, Oireachtas committee told; Trump says he will hit Iran 'hard tonight'; Spain trade threat renewed; Patrick Adler battling through qualifying dogfights for shot at a PGA Tour card
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