Glastonbury, England — The BBC has acknowledged it should have interrupted a live broadcast of Bob Vylan’s performance after the band’s lead vocalist led the audience in chants that included “death to the IDF,” referring to the Israel Defense Forces. In a statement released Monday, the broadcaster expressed regret for not cutting the feed during the event, stating that the decision was made during a challenging live situation but should have been approached differently in hindsight.
The incident has drawn criticism from various quarters, with the broadcasting regulator Ofcom calling for answers regarding the coverage. The U.K. government also questioned how such comments made it to air without prior intervention. Glastonbury’s organizers condemned the remarks as “appalling” and indicative of a clear breach of acceptable discourse.
A BBC spokesperson emphasized the organization’s commitment to freedom of expression while firmly opposing any form of incitement to violence. They described the comments made by Bob Vylan as “unacceptable” and devoid of a place in their programming. The BBC also mentioned that a warning had been displayed on-screen during the performance, and the segment would not be available for replay on their iPlayer service.
The controversy emerged from a set in which Bob Vylan’s lead singer, known as Bobby Vylan, also shouted phrases like “free, free Palestine,” along with the contentious expression “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.” Critics interpret this slogan as a call for the dissolution of Israel, while supporters argue it reflects opposition to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.
On Monday, Ofcom stated it was in active communication with the BBC to clarify the circumstances surrounding the live broadcast. A spokesperson for the regulator expressed grave concerns about the event and highlighted that the BBC must address several pressing questions related to its compliance with editorial guidelines.
Bob Vylan, an English punk-rap duo formed in Ipswich in 2017, has gained notice for their politically charged lyrics and performances. They have shared stages with notable acts such as The Offspring and Biffy Clyro, and have previously appeared at major music festivals like Reading and Leeds. Following the controversy, Bobby Vylan took to Instagram to affirm the importance of political activism, asserting that it’s vital for young voices to advocate on every platform available.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer labeled the singer’s remarks as “hate speech,” prompting widespread bipartisan rebuke from lawmakers and public figures alike. In the wake of the performance, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy demanded an urgent explanation from the BBC’s director general, Tim Davie, regarding their failure to intervene.
Glastonbury’s organizers have made it clear they distance themselves from the messages espoused during Bob Vylan’s set, reiterating that the festival stands firmly against antisemitism, hate speech, and incitement to violence.