The BBC has decided against re-broadcasting punk duo Bob Vylan’s Glastonbury Festival set on iPlayer after the pair made what the broadcaster described as “deeply offensive comments” during their performance. The band’s calls to “free, free Palestine” sparked controversy, but it was their subsequent chant of “death, death to the IDF” that drew sharp criticism. The IDF refers to the Israel Defence Forces, and this statement provoked significant backlash from viewers.
Avon and Somerset Police are currently reviewing footage of the performance to determine whether any laws were broken. The same scrutiny is being applied to Irish rap group Kneecap’s set at West Holts, where members urged fans to “start a riot” outside a bandmate’s upcoming court hearing, before retracting the statement.
In a social media update, Avon and Somerset Police said: “We are aware of the comments made by acts on the West Holts Stage at Glastonbury Festival this afternoon. Video evidence will be assessed by officers to determine whether any offences may have been committed that warrant a criminal investigation.”
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While Kneecap’s set was not broadcast live on television, Bob Vylan’s performance was streamed on BBC iPlayer. Following public backlash, the BBC confirmed it has no plans to make the performance available on demand. A BBC spokesperson stated: “Some of the comments made during Bob Vylan’s set were deeply offensive. During this live stream on iPlayer, which reflected what was happening on stage, a warning was issued on screen about the very strong and discriminatory language. We have no plans to make the performance available on demand.”
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has communicated with the BBC Director General regarding Bob Vylan’s performance. A government spokesperson said: “We strongly condemn the threatening comments made by Bob Vylan at Glastonbury. The Culture Secretary has spoken to the BBC Director General to seek an urgent explanation about what due diligence was carried out ahead of the Bob Vylan performance, and welcomes the decision not to re-broadcast it on BBC iPlayer.”
Kneecap, a Belfast-based group, has recently been under the spotlight after member Liam Og O hAnnaidh, known as Mo Chara, was charged with a terror offence. During their controversial remarks, bandmate Naoise O Caireallain, aka Moglai Bap, initially encouraged a riot outside court but later softened his stance, stating: “No riots just love and support, and support for Palestine.”