The Belfast rap group Kneecap was advised not to wear pro-Palestinian badges during their performance on Friday night’s Late Late Show, but they disobeyed the producers’ orders and did so anyway, according to a statement made by RTÉ, reports RTE.
The wearing of badges, insignia, etc. during programmes that are not explicitly focused on a discussion on a particular issue is prohibited by RTÉ’s Journalism and Content Guidelines.
According to an RTÉ spokeswoman, Kneecap’s management informed producers before to the programme that the band would be wearing badges in support of Palestine.
“The Late Late Show producers asked for the badges to be removed in accordance with the RTÉ Journalism and Content Guidelines and explained the guidelines to Kneecap’s management,” the statement reads, reports RTE.
“The producers were clear that, while it would have been a disappointment, Kneecap’s performance could not proceed if they wore the badges After discussions with Kneecap’s management, they agreed that the badges would not be worn.”
The statement continued, “However, during the live performance and the subsequent interview, the band chose not to comply with that agreement. They put badges on and revealed that one band member was wearing a Palestinian football jersey,” reports RTE.
“Given the nature of live television, there always remains a risk of unplanned programming. However, our team of editorial professionals acted in full compliance with the RTÉ Journalism and Content Guidelines and adapted the filming and took appropriate action whereby the host provided context and balance to the discussion,” reports RTE.
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