The BBC has announced new restrictions on broadcasting and livestreaming performances it considers “high risk,” after facing widespread criticism over a Glastonbury Festival set by the punk-rap group Bob Vylan that included anti-Israel slogans.
During the performance, the group’s lead singer led the audience in chanting “Death to the IDF” and “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” as some attendees waved Palestinian flags. Footage from the event quickly spread online, sparking public outcry.
In a statement released Thursday, the BBC said, “We regret that this content appeared on our platforms and apologize to our audiences, particularly the Jewish community, for the offense caused.” The broadcaster confirmed that Bob Vylan had been previously flagged as a “high-risk” act but was still allowed to perform under certain conditions.
Following internal review, the BBC has removed the band’s Glastonbury set from its streaming services and acknowledged that its compliance processes had failed in this instance. The broadcaster also committed to deploying more robust editorial oversight at future events and promised clearer policies regarding performance eligibility for live coverage.
Meanwhile, UK police have opened a formal investigation into potential hate speech and public order offenses. The UK’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the broadcast, while communications regulator Ofcom said the BBC must address how such content was aired.
The Israeli Embassy in London issued a statement calling the performance “incitement” and “deeply disturbing.” In the U.S., authorities responded by canceling Bob Vylan’s visas on security grounds, effectively ending their planned American tour. Their talent agency has also dropped them.
The incident occurs amid rising tensions globally, with growing pro-Palestinian activism and increased reports of anti-Semitic acts, as Israel’s offensive in Gaza continues. The conflict, triggered by Hamas’s October 7 attacks that killed about 1,200 Israelis and led to hundreds of hostage takings, has resulted in over 56,000 Palestinian deaths since 2023, according to regional sources.
