The BBC and Glastonbury Festival organisers are facing growing criticism after a live performance by punk-rap duo Bob Vylan included inflammatory anti-Israel chants, broadcast to audiences during prime coverage of the iconic music event.
During their Saturday set, lead vocalist Bobby Vylan (real name Pascal Robinson-Foster) led the crowd in repeated chants of “death, death to the IDF,” a reference to the Israel Defense Forces. The comments were made in the context of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, but the language — broadcast uncensored via the BBC’s live feed — sparked immediate concern among Jewish community leaders, politicians, and viewers.
Sir Ephraim Mirvis, the UK’s Chief Rabbi, issued a strongly worded statement condemning the incident, calling it “a time of national shame.”
“This is a time of national shame. The airing of vile Jew-hatred at Glastonbury and the BBC’s belated and mishandled response brings confidence in our national broadcaster’s ability to treat antisemitism seriously to a new low,” he wrote on social media. “It should trouble all decent people that now, one need only couch their outright incitement to violence and hatred as edgy political commentary, for ordinary people to not only fail to see it for what it is, but also to cheer it, chant it, and celebrate it. Toxic Jew-hatred is a threat to our entire society.”
The backlash was not limited to religious figures. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy addressed the matter in Parliament, expressing serious concerns about the BBC’s editorial oversight.
“When there is one editorial failure, it is something that must be gripped; where there are several, it becomes a problem of leadership,” Nandy said. “The BBC is one of the most important institutions in our country and that is why it is held to the highest of standards.”
She further confirmed she had personally contacted BBC Director General Tim Davie following the broadcast.
BBC under pressure
The BBC initially issued a statement Monday, describing the sentiments expressed by Bob Vylan as “utterly unacceptable” and admitting it was a failure not to pull the stream during the performance.
“The team were dealing with a live situation but with hindsight we should have pulled the stream during the performance. We regret this did not happen,” the corporation said.
Despite the condemnation, questions remain. BBC executives are now under pressure from both Ofcom and Parliament to explain how Bob Vylan’s slot passed editorial checks — especially following earlier controversy this year surrounding a Gaza documentary the broadcaster aired.
Tim Davie, who was present on-site at Worthy Farm during the festival, is believed to have intervened once he became aware of the chant. According to the BBC, he ensured the footage was not used in any later highlights or coverage. However, critics argue this was far too late.
The House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee has since written to Davie requesting a full account of the BBC’s broadcast procedures for Glastonbury, including details of any content delays, staffing structures, and risk assessments for live performances.
Ofcom has also launched its own inquiry and said it is treating the matter as urgent.
“We are very concerned about the live stream of this performance, and the BBC clearly has questions to answer,” said a spokesperson. “We are obtaining further information as a matter of urgency, including what procedures were in place to ensure compliance with its own editorial guidelines.”
Police investigation
Avon and Somerset Police confirmed on Monday that they had opened a public order investigation into the performance, as well as a separate set by Irish-language hip-hop group Kneecap, which reportedly contained anti-monarchist remarks.
“This has been recorded as a public order incident at this time while our enquiries are at an early stage,” a police statement said.
A senior detective has been appointed to review footage and assess whether criminal charges are appropriate under legislation covering incitement to violence or hate speech. So far, no arrests have been made.
Band response
Bob Vylan responded to the criticism via Instagram, stating they are being “targeted for speaking up.”
“We are not for the death of Jews, Arabs or any other race or group of people. We are for the dismantling of a violent military machine,” they wrote.
“We, like those in the spotlight before us, are not the story. We are a distraction from the story, and whatever sanctions we receive will be a distraction.”
Despite this clarification, the fallout continued, with sources confirming the band’s U.S. visas have now been revoked, potentially jeopardising their planned American tour later this year.
Looking ahead
The duo are still scheduled to perform at Manchester’s Radar Festival on 5 July. Greater Manchester Police have acknowledged public concerns.
“Greater Manchester is famous for promoting music of all genres and we welcome all artists to our region. However, we will act immediately on any reports of commentary or actions that could be breaking the law,” a police spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, Glastonbury organisers have not commented directly on the performance or whether additional vetting will be introduced for future acts.
A wider debate
The incident has reignited broader national debate over the line between free speech, artistic expression, and incitement — particularly on taxpayer-funded platforms. Critics argue that while artists are entitled to political opinion, public broadcasters have a duty to prevent hate speech from reaching audiences under their watch.
“The festival stage is not a free-for-all,” said Andrew Gilbert, vice-president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews. “The BBC could have stopped and restarted the stream. They failed. They must be held accountable.”
More updates are expected in the coming days as Ofcom, Avon and Somerset Police, and Parliament continue their investigations.
