The Irish hip-hop group Kneecap says it has begun authorized motion towards Vince Gasparro, the Liberal parliamentary secretary who posted a video on social media asserting an obvious ban on the group coming into Canada that their lawyer says triggered “substantial” hurt.
Lawyer Darragh Mackin instructed International Information {that a} defamation case is being pursued in Eire towards Gasparro, who Mackin stated was served with a discover of declare over the weekend.
“Our purchasers have been topic to critical and unfounded assertions by means of a public video posted on a private social media account which has triggered substantial reputational hurt,” Mackin stated in a press release from Belfast human rights legislation agency Phoenix Legislation on Saturday.
“The statements made by Mr. Gasparro have been wholly inaccurate and defamatory with none motive or justification. … Kneecap, identical to each non-public citizen, are entitled to equity and the safety of their good title and popularity. These proceedings have been initiated to vindicate these rights.”
The authorized motion comes days after authorities paperwork tabled within the Home of Commons revealed the Prime Minister’s Workplace and the Canada Border Companies Company weren’t “concerned” or “consulted” in Gasparro’s announcement — regardless of Gasparro saying in September the choice was taken “on the recommendation of our officers” and “on behalf of the Authorities of Canada.”
The federal government’s acknowledged causes for denying or delaying approval of the band members’ journey permits additionally appeared to contradict Gasparro’s public assertion, wherein he accused the group of “advocating for political violence” and “glorifying terrorist organizations.”
The paperwork stated just one band member’s journey allow was cancelled “for omitting to reveal full and correct data on his utility,” however that the cancellation “doesn’t preclude him from making use of once more.”
“In September we stated you made feedback about us that have been wholly unfaithful and deeply malicious. You probably did,” Kneecap stated in a social media assertion Friday. “It now transpires you additionally lied by telling the world you have been appearing on ‘behalf of the Authorities of Canada.’ This was one other lie. You weren’t. Your personal authorities has made this clear.
“At present we’re serving authorized motion towards you,” the assertion continued, including the band “shall be relentless in defending ourselves towards outrageous and baseless accusations.”
Mackin stated the band is looking for “speedy correction and clarification” of Gasparro’s feedback.
Gasparro’s workplace has not responded to repeated requests for remark.
Announcement underneath scrutiny
Gasparro, the parliamentary secretary for combating crime, stated in a video posted to X on Sept. 19 that “on behalf of the Authorities of Canada, I’m asserting that on the recommendation of our officers, we now have deemed the group Kneecap ineligible to enter our nation.”
The video stays on-line.
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In a response tabled final week within the Home of Commons to an order paper query by NDP MP Jenny Kwan in regards to the dealing with of the case, federal officers stated they weren’t concerned, and it stays unclear which recommendation from officers Gasparro was citing in his put up.
“It’s unprecedented for a authorities minister with out session with the prime minister or the respective division to take to issues into their very own palms through their very own social media channel,” Mackin stated. “Such clickbait techniques don’t have any place in a contemporary democracy.”
In their very own written response to Kwan’s request for paperwork, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) stated band member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh’s digital journey authorization (eTA) was cancelled for inadmissibility in August — a month earlier than Gasparro’s announcement — and that he was notified of the choice.
It made no point out of the since-dropped legal cost towards Óg Ó hAnnaidh within the U.Okay. that accused him of flying a Hezbollah flag throughout a London live performance final yr, which Gasparro particularly cited as a motive for the obvious entry ban.
The division added the eTA purposes of Kneecap’s different two members, John James Ó Dochartaigh and Naoise Ó Cairealláin, “are at the moment underneath evaluate” and that they have been knowledgeable in September “to not journey to Canada till receiving additional communication” from IRCC.
Kneecap stated Friday it’s “working to resolve the ‘compliance points’ which have been communicated” by IRCC, confirming for the primary time since September that it has obtained discover from the division.
Phoenix Legislation stated it has been “in direct correspondence” with IRCC about every band member’s case.
“We sit up for visiting Canada once more in 2026 and enjoying to bought out exhibits throughout your land as we now have carried out so previously,” the band stated, addressing its Canadian followers.
Kneecap had been scheduled to play exhibits in Toronto and Vancouver in October earlier than the obvious entry ban was introduced.
Kwan calls for solutions from Carney, immigration minister
Kwan, the NDP’s immigration critic, despatched letters to Prime Minister Mark Carney and Immigration Minister Lena Diab on Friday demanding solutions to questions she stated weren’t addressed within the authorities’s written response.
The letter to Carney asks him to direct Diab to make clear the IRCC’s statements in regards to the standing of Kneecap’s eTA purposes, and the explanations behind cancelling Óg Ó hAnnaidh’s journey allow, as outlined in Kwan’s letter to the minister.
Kwan additionally asks Carney to make clear “who inside the Authorities of Canada suggested or approved MP Gasparro’s public announcement,” affirm what steps the federal government will take to make sure correct communication of immigration choices and “present a definitive assertion on the admissibility standing of Kneecap’s members.”
“Canadians deserve an immigration system that’s clear, honest, and protected against political interference,” the letter to Carney says.
“The intense inconsistencies between departmental statements and the general public assertions made by an elected official demand pressing consideration. With out readability, the looks of arbitrary or politicized decision-making will proceed to undermine public belief.”
Conservatives have beforehand referred to as for a parliamentary investigation into Gasparro’s actions and whether or not he overstepped his authority in making his announcement.
Kneecap — who’ve been vocal supporters of Palestinians and critics of Israel’s army marketing campaign in Gaza — has stated it doesn’t promote Hamas, Hezbollah or another terrorist group or advocate for violence towards Jewish individuals.
The band stated Friday it intends to donate “each cent” of any monetary penalties it could win within the lawsuit towards Gasparro to “help the 1000’s of kid amputees in Gaza.”
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