Police have launched a public order investigation after chants at Glastonbury Festival prompted outrage and sparked international criticism.
Crowds gathered at the iconic Somerset event over the weekend were led in political chants by rap-punk duo Bob Vylan and Irish-language act Kneecap. Some of the slogans, which were broadcast live on the BBC, included calls against Israel’s military and support for Palestine.
One chant in particular—calling for “death to the IDF”—has been recorded as part of a formal investigation by Avon and Somerset Police. Officers confirmed the performances had been noted as a potential breach of public order and are currently under review.
The controversy has spread beyond the UK. In a rare move, the U.S. State Department confirmed it has revoked the visas of Bob Vylan’s members, citing “hate speech and glorification of violence.” The Israeli Embassy in London also issued a statement expressing deep concern over the messages delivered on stage.
BBC Faces Backlash Over Live Broadcast
The BBC issued a statement following the backlash, saying it regretted airing the segment live. The broadcaster described the language as “utterly unacceptable” and said it had inserted a warning about potentially offensive content during the stream. However, calls are growing for Ofcom to investigate how such scenes were allowed to air.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer criticised both the performance and its broadcast. “There is no place for hate speech in the UK, and the BBC has serious questions to answer,” he said.
Ofcom said it was “very concerned” and expected a full explanation from the broadcaster.
Artists Defend Messages Amid Visa Ban
Bob Vylan, who mix grime, punk and political lyrics, responded on social media. Lead vocalist Bobby Vylan said he had received both supportive and critical messages in the wake of the performance.
In his post, he defended the act as a call for justice and peace, writing: “Teaching our children to speak up for what they believe in is how we move forward.” The band have declined to comment further on the investigation.
Kneecap, who performed immediately after Bob Vylan, also joined in chants supporting Palestine and reportedly used profane language about the Prime Minister. One of its members is currently facing a charge under the UK Terrorism Act for allegedly displaying a flag linked to a proscribed organisation at a previous show.
Heightened Sensitivity Amid Global Conflict
The incident comes during a period of heightened global tensions linked to the ongoing war in Gaza. Thousands of civilians have been killed since October 2023, with humanitarian groups and foreign governments voicing concerns over the scale of the conflict.
While Israel insists it is targeting militants, international observers—including the UK government—have urged restraint and criticised the high civilian toll.
In response to the events at Glastonbury, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau stated: “Foreigners who glorify hatred and violence are not welcome visitors to our country.”
The performances at Glastonbury have now become the subject of political, legal and diplomatic scrutiny, as organisers, broadcasters and artists face mounting pressure over how political messages are delivered on public stages.
