Organisers of Hungary’s flagship Sziget Festival have spoken out following the government’s decision to ban Irish hip-hop trio Kneecap from entering the country. The group were due to perform at the Budapest-based event on 11th August, but have now been removed from the lineup after being formally barred from entering Hungarian territory.

In a statement released after receiving the official notice, Sziget called the move “unprecedented, unnecessary and regrettable”, adding that it could harm both the festival’s reputation and Hungary’s standing internationally. “Over the past 30 years, Sziget has served as a free and safe place for different cultures,” organisers said. “We fear that the government’s decision may not only damage the reputation of Sziget, but also negatively affect Hungary’s standing worldwide.”

Hungarian state secretary Zoltan Kovacs alleged that Kneecap posed a “national security threat”, accusing the group of “antisemitism and glorifying terror”. His statement referenced ongoing legal proceedings involving member Mo Chara, who denies a terror charge related to a flag displayed during a London performance. Kneecap have called the claims a “co-ordinated smear campaign” stemming from their support for Palestine.

Sziget maintained that “cancel culture and cultural boycotts are not the solution”, reiterating its support for artistic freedom while condemning hate speech. The trio have also been dropped from multiple other festivals this season, including TRNSMT and Hurricane. Despite the setback, Sziget will go ahead with performances from Charli XCX, Shawn Mendes, Post Malone, Little Simz, Justice, and more from 6th to 11th August, 2025.