After outspoken Glastonbury performances, Bob Vylan and Kneecap face U.K. criminal investigation

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Following multiple shows at the U.K.’s Glastonbury Festival, performers expressed chants advocating for Palestinian liberation and condemning the Israeli Defense Forces, which triggered a criminal probe by the U.K. law enforcement regarding their performances.

As a passionate film enthusiast, I recently learned that both Bob Vylan, the electrifying rap-punk group from the U.K., and Kneecap, the energetic Northern Irish rap collective, are under investigation. Reports from various sources, such as the BBC, indicate that Avon and Somerset police have launched an inquiry into their performances.

At Bob Vylan’s performance during Glastonbury, I found myself joining the crowd as Bobby Vylan, born Pascal Robinson-Foster, passionately led chants. The chants were a call for freedom for Palestine and, more debatably, a demand for “death to the IDF” (Israel Defense Forces). As a film enthusiast, I appreciate art that stirs conversations and emotions, and this set certainly did just that.

The police have classified this event as a matter of public order for now since they’re still in the early stages of their investigation. They plan to conduct a thorough probe guided by any available evidence, taking into account relevant laws, especially those concerning hate crimes.

World & Nation

At the famed Glastonbury Festival in England, the pro-Palestinian Irish hip-hop group Kneecap, who also graced the stage at Coachella this year, enthralled a massive crowd of fans numbering in the tens of thousands.

In a public announcement, the BBC stated that Bob Vylan’s expressions of antisemitic views were completely unacceptable and should not be aired on their platform. They also emphasized that while they value freedom of speech, they firmly oppose any form of incitement to violence. Meanwhile, Glastonbury organizers expressed shock over Vylan’s comments, stating that they had crossed an unacceptable line.

The U.S. State Department declared that the two individuals belonging to Bob Vylan will have their U.S. visas cancelled. In a social media post, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau stated, “We don’t extend hospitality to foreigners who promote violence and intolerance.

The BBC chose not to air the live performance of the critically-acclaimed Belfast hip hop group Kneecap from Glastonbury, a decision made due to their vocal opposition against Israel’s conflict in Gaza, which they have expressed during their performances at recent Coachella events.

Music

As a movie enthusiast, I’d rephrase it like this: “Back when we were performing in Weekend 1, our team had intended to display messages about the U.S.-backed conflict in Gaza. However, these messages mysteriously didn’t make it onto the screens during our set.

At the festival, it’s said that one of the performers, known as Mo Chara, stirred up the audience with an offensive song targeting U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer. This occurred after he was accused of supporting a banned organization, following an incident in 2024 where he allegedly displayed a flag from the terror group Hezbollah during a London concert. However, Chara denied this accusation.

Due to time constraints, U.K. prosecutors have recently abandoned the case against the group following a 2023 concert, where Chara was accused of stating, “A truly effective Tory is one who is no longer alive. Eliminate your local representative.

The most effective method for shaping a better world is by empowering our children to voice the change they desire and necessitate.

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2025-06-30 22:01