BBC apologizes for broadcast of Bob Vylan’s controversial Glastonbury set

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The BBC publicly apologized following the airing of a contentious show put on by the rap-punk band, Bob Vylan, during the Glastonbury festival in England.

Bob Vylan, known for their vocal criticisms against Israel’s conflict with Gaza, incited their audience at the recent festival with a chant that read “Downfall to the Israeli Military,” referring to the Israel Defense Forces.

On Thursday, Tim Davie, the director-general of the BBC, penned a letter to staff members. In it, he expressed his sincere apologies for the inappropriate and abhorrent actions that surfaced on the BBC. He offered an apology not only to our viewers but also to all employees, especially to Jewish colleagues and the Jewish community. Davie made clear that there is no room for antisemitism at the BBC.

Music

The inquiry was initiated following the rap-punk band Bob Vylan’s onstage call for “death, death to the Israeli Defense Forces.

The announcer shared plans for upcoming festival broadcasts, which include excluding any “risky” performances from being aired live or streamed online.

Bob Vylan’s performance sparked controversy in the music world and beyond, which escalated to the point where local authorities launched a criminal investigation. This led to their U.S. tour visas being canceled, and their management agency, UTA, decided to part ways with them.

The lead vocalist of the band, identified as Bobby Vylan, posted on Instagram following their performance, expressing, “Teaching our kids to voice their desired and necessary change is the key to shaping a better world.” They further emphasized, “Let them witness us protesting in the streets, advocating at grassroots levels, coordinating online efforts, and speaking out boldly on any platform given to us.

As a fan here, I can’t help but share some recent news about Kneecap, the spirited Northern Irish rap trio who graced the stage at Glastonbury alongside me. They’ve been facing scrutiny due to their outspoken criticism of Israel’s conflict with Gaza. Unfortunately, their performance at Glastonbury wasn’t broadcast live. The band’s frontman, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, who goes by the stage name Mo Chara, has been charged with supporting a proscribed organization in relation to an alleged incident involving a Hezbollah flag at a London concert in 2024. Chara denies these charges. Moreover, U.K. prosecutors recently dropped charges against Kneecap following a 2023 concert where Chara was accused of saying, “The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.” Quite a rollercoaster ride for this dynamic group!

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2025-07-03 23:01