The government slammed the BBC for live broadcasting inflammatory chants at the Glastonbury Festival, sparking a national debate over free speech and broadcast obligation. The incendiary incident took place when rap-punk group Bob Vylan took to the stage and performed chants of “free, free Palestine” and “death, death to the IDF [Israel Defense Forces]” as crowds reeled and immediately reacted in outrage.
The BBC, which broadcast the performance, issued an on-screen warning about “very strong and discriminatory language” but has since taken the unprecedented step of excluding the set from its iPlayer service. A spokesman described the comments as “deeply offensive,” reflecting the network’s need to limit damage.
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Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has reportedly demanded an explanation from BBC Director-General Tim Davie about the broadcaster’s pre-performance vetting. The government minister pointed out that removing the performance from future broadcasts was a “welcome” move, but it did nothing to address broader issues.
Glastonbury Festival itself, with a past of eclectic and sometimes political lineups, distanced itself from the controversy. The festival released a statement, which read, “Glastonbury Festival does not condone hate speech or incitement to violence of any kind from its performers.“
Adding fuel to the flames, Irish-language rap group Kneecap, who performed on the West Holts stage after Bob Vylan, delivered an expletive-laden tirade against Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. The performance by Kneecap had previously made headlines after one of its members, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh (also known as Mo Chara), was charged with terrorism for allegedly brandishing Hezbollah flags. Ó hAnnaidh, who is out on bail, has entered a plea of not guilty.
Avon and Somerset Police have agreed to a full examination of video footage from both Bob Vylan’s and Kneecap’s performances to determine whether any criminal acts were carried out. A spokesman stated, “Footage will be viewed by officers to determine if a criminal investigation is necessary.“
As the scandal gains traction, the event sheds light on the delicate dance between artistic licence, political liberty, and responsibility to the people, with Glastonbury again at the eye of the cultural hurricane.
