Setting the Stage for Hate: Kneecap and Coachella’s Collapse of Conscience (Opinion)

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Coachella sits at the heart of worldwide music trends, serving as a global stage where performances have lasting impacts beyond the desert. However, such a platform comes with accountability, an aspect that Paul Tollett and festival organizers AEG/Goldenvoice seemed to overlook when they invited Kneecap, an Irish band known for supporting terrorist organizations and spreading hate, to perform. To me, this wasn’t an error; it was a conscious decision.

When the abhorrent speech was voiced from the stage, it didn’t merely resonate with the thousands who were present. Instead, it echoed across social media platforms, third-party live streams, and countless re-shares, magnifying its toxicity to millions. This wasn’t just a faint murmur in an obscure tavern heard only by their loyal followers. It was given a platform at Coachella, effectively turning the stage into a worldwide megaphone.

What did Paul Tollett expect?

Speaking about the importance of Coachella as a cultural phenomenon, its founder Tollett emphasized his duty to cater to the audience and establish an environment that is secure and welcoming. However, one may question where this responsibility was when the bold warnings regarding Kneecap, repeatedly signaled by professionals within the industry, were disregarded, given the subsequent events?

The connections, political leanings, methods, and stance of the Kneecap group are not hidden or delicate matters; they’ve been a significant part of their identity for some time. Paul and Goldenvoice were well-aware of this and had plenty of opportunity to take action or express their concerns. Regrettably, they chose neither, and things have only worsened – they remain silent still.

I’m a strong advocate for free speech, but let’s call it as it is – this isn’t just about artistic liberty. It’s about endorsing hate speech. It’s about tarnishing a hard-earned reputation and the loyalty of our community by associating with a group that glorifies violence and honors perpetrators. It’s about causing unnecessary trauma for Jewish attendees – many of them teenagers. It’s about repeating rhetoric that tore open the wounds left by the tragic events at the Nova Festival, wounds shared by those standing in this crowd.

The participants were compelled to be part of a show that wasn’t merely disrespectful, but downright risky.

So, what now?

How can accountability manifest when a $600 ticket elicits fear rather than joy, hostility instead of camaraderie? What obligations does an event organizer bear when they offer a stage to groups whose actions contradict the values that music should inspire and promote?

It’s unacceptable for Tollett, Goldenvoice, AEG, or the entire music industry to remain silent on this issue. As a Jewish executive who has been part of this business for a long time, I’ve witnessed the power of music to uplift, inspire, and unite. However, when faced with such a critical moment, silence from those responsible is deafening.

It appears that each part of the organization – from booking agents to stage managers, brand partners to artist liaisons – had an opportunity to speak up and correct something. However, none of them did. As a consequence, Coachella transformed into a source of fear rather than joy, damage instead of healing. This situation didn’t have to occur.

We take great pride in being pioneers of culture. Instead, let’s work towards creating connections rather than causing divisions. Now, the question arises: What steps will we take next? Will Tollett address the controversy? Will Goldenvoice issue an apology – not just with empty promises, but with tangible actions? A visit to the Nova Exhibition by Tollett doesn’t absolve him from accountability. In fact, his knowledge of the distressing experiences those festival attendees faced makes his inaction even more disheartening. Will the industry take a stand and establish a clear boundary between freedom of expression and venues of hate?

We’ll observe the situation, but here’s the truth: The lack of action from the influential figures in our sector can no longer be dismissed as mere ignorance. Instead, it’s a form of cooperation. And let me make this clear, I will not easily forget.

Lee Trink is an experienced figure in the music industry who has held positions such as president at Capitol Records and manager for prominent artists. Currently, he co-founded the esports and entertainment company, FaZe Clan, which reflects his career spent at the junction of music, media, and youth culture.

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2025-04-24 01:26