The ongoing war of words between DISTURBED frontman David Draiman and Irish rap group KNEECAP has taken a new turn, as the politically outspoken trio publicly slammed Draiman for his controversial decision to autograph an Israeli artillery shell last year. In response, Draiman fired back with a series of heated posts defending his actions and condemning what he sees as support for terrorism.
The tension between the two parties originally sparked after RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE guitarist Tom Morello praised KNEECAP last week, calling them “the RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE of now” and commending their bold political stance, particularly their pro-Palestinian activism. Morello’s comments were met with harsh criticism from Draiman, who accused his former friend of turning a blind eye to antisemitism and terrorism.
Now, KNEECAP have directly addressed Draiman’s comments and past actions. On July 13, the group posted to X (formerly Twitter):
“We don’t care what religion anyone is… or if they’ve one at all.
We love all sound c*nts.
Smiling and signing bombs dropped to m*rder kids and other people’s families just makes you a straight up c*nt.
Simple as.
Free Palestine.”
Draiman swiftly responded with a lengthy rebuttal across multiple posts, defending his decision to sign the artillery shell — a move he says was directed specifically at Hamas, not civilians:
“Here’s the thing, and I’ll speak to you in small words, so you understand.
That shell was meant for HAMAS. You know, the organization who has sworn to m*rder all Jews, not just Israelis, time and time again, including my family.
You shoot at Jews? Expect Jews to shoot back.
All innocent lives lost in this conflict are due to Hamas using their own people as cannon fodder so that they can gain the sympathy of those who are only too eager to jump on the Jew hating train. If the hostages were released and Hamas surrendered, the bloodshed would end…
But neither you, nor Hamas really want that. Because without dead martyred Palestinians to fuel your zeitgeist, both you and them lose power.
Enjoy your 5 minutes gentlemen. It could have been done with your art, but instead you chose to do it with hatred. Bye now”
Reeder, the visionary behind Metal Addicts, has transformed his lifelong passion for metal into a thriving online community for metal aficionados. As a fervent devotee of black metal, Reeder is captivated by its dark, atmospheric, and often unorthodox soundscapes.