This decision follows chants of “Death to the IDF” by UK punk-rap act Bob Vylan at the Glastonbury Festival.
Following criticism for broadcasting Bob Vylan’s Glastonbury set, which included chants against the Israeli military, the BBC will now refrain from broadcasting or livestreaming performances considered “high risk.”
During last weekend’s performance, the band’s frontman encouraged the audience to chant “Death, death to the IDF” and “From the river to the sea, Palestine must be, will be, inshallah, it will be free.” Social media videos show the crowd repeating the chants and waving Palestinian flags.
In a statement released on Thursday, the BBC expressed regret for the broadcast of “such offensive and deplorable behaviour” and apologized to viewers, listeners, and particularly the Jewish community.
The BBC acknowledged that Bob Vylan, along with six other acts, was classified as ‘high risk’ prior to the festival but was still allowed to perform with “appropriate mitigations.” The broadcaster admitted to “errors” in its compliance procedures and confirmed the removal of Bob Vylan’s set from BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds.
The BBC announced it would increase editorial policy support at major music festivals and events. It also plans to provide clearer guidelines regarding the criteria for withdrawing a livestream.
Avon and Somerset Police have launched a criminal investigation into potential public order offenses, stating they “will closely consider all appropriate legislation, including relating to hate crimes.” UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has criticized the BBC for airing the performance, and media regulator Ofcom has indicated the broadcaster needs to provide answers.
The Israeli Embassy in London expressed being “deeply disturbed by the inflammatory and hateful rhetoric expressed on stage,” characterizing it as “advocacy of ethnic cleansing.”
Earlier this week, US authorities revoked the visas of Bob Vylan members due to national security concerns following the controversial performance. The duo, who had a 20-date US tour scheduled for later this year, have also been dropped by their agency, United Talent.
Since the start of Israel’s military operation in Gaza, which has resulted in over 56,000 Palestinian deaths since 2023, there have been reports of pro-Palestinian demonstrations and an increase in anti-Semitic incidents in numerous countries. The conflict began with the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, which caused the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis and the abduction of over 200 hostages.
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