LONDON — The BBC faced backlash after broadcasting a performance by the rap duo Bob Vylan at the Glastonbury Festival, which included controversial chants perceived as antisemitic. The event, held over the weekend, drew significant attention as the rapper led the crowd in slogans like “free, free Palestine” and “death, death to the IDF,” referring to the Israel Defense Forces.
In response to the uproar, the BBC acknowledged on Monday that it should have discontinued the livestream of the performance. Although the broadcaster emphasizes its commitment to freedom of expression, it condemned the sentiments expressed by Bob Vylan, calling them “utterly unacceptable” and asserting that such rhetoric has no place in its programming.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also denounced the chants, labeling them as “appalling hate speech.” He urged the BBC to clarify how such scenes were allowed to air, highlighting the tension surrounding the depiction of sensitive political issues at public events.
The communications regulator, Ofcom, stated it was “very concerned” about the incident and indicated that the BBC must address specific questions regarding its decision to air the livestream. The BBC initially defended its choice by issuing an on-screen warning about the potential for discriminatory language during the performance.
The Israeli Embassy in the U.K. expressed its distress over the “inflammatory and hateful rhetoric” displayed on stage at the festival, reflecting broader tensions surrounding the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Bob Vylan, formed in 2017, is known for its genre-blending style that often tackles themes like racism and political issues. The members of the duo prefer to keep their real identities private.
Bobby Vylan addressed the controversy on social media, stating, “Teaching our children to speak up for the change they want and need is the only way that we make this world a better place.”
Police are currently reviewing video footage from the festival, in light of the comments made during the performances, to assess whether any criminal offenses occurred. Bob Vylan’s performance coincided with that of Kneecap, an Irish-language rap group also known for its politically charged messages. Kneecap has faced its own challenges, including an arrest linked to support for a proscribed organization after a member allegedly displayed a Hezbollah flag at a concert.
This year, Glastonbury Festival attracted about 200,000 attendees, featuring around 4,000 acts. The backdrop of escalating tensions in the region has intensified global scrutiny of Israel’s military actions, particularly in Gaza. Since the violence escalated in October 2023, following a Hamas attack, over 56,000 people have reportedly died due to the ongoing conflict, with significant casualties among civilians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
Israel insists that its military operations target militants specifically, asserting that Hamas is to blame for civilian casualties by operating in densely populated areas. The clashes between differing narratives have triggered widespread protests globally, with many advocating for Palestinian rights, while others claim these movements veer into antisemitism.
As the debate continues over the implications of such performances and chants, the incident at Glastonbury underscores the complexities of freedom of speech amidst ongoing geopolitical conflicts.