The government has issued a “strong condemnation” of chants made by rap punk duo Bob Vylan at Glastonbury Festival, broadcast live on the BBC, which called for “death” to the Israeli military.
During their set, rapper Bobby Vylan led attendees in chants of “free, free Palestine” and “death, death to the IDF [Israel Defense Forces],” preceding a performance by Belfast rap trio Kneecap.
A BBC spokesperson stated that some of the remarks were “deeply offensive,” noting that an on-screen warning had been issued regarding “very strong and discriminatory language.” The performance will not be available for replay on BBC iPlayer.
Police have confirmed they are reviewing video footage of comments made by both Bob Vylan and Kneecap to ascertain whether any offenses were committed.
Subsequent to Bob Vylan’s performance, a government representative announced that Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy had engaged with BBC Director General Tim Davie to request an “urgent explanation regarding the due diligence” conducted by the broadcaster prior to airing the act.
The government further indicated its approval of the decision to withhold the performance from rebroadcast on BBC iPlayer.
Bob Vylan’s set took place on the festival’s West Holts stage, preceding Irish-language rap group Kneecap.
Kneecap has recently garnered attention after rapper Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, known as Mo Chara, was charged with a terrorism offense for allegedly displaying the flag of Hezbollah, a proscribed terrorist organization, at a prior event. He has denied the charge.
Kneecap’s performance on Saturday, witnessed by thousands, included expletive-laden chants directed at Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, following his earlier assessment that the band’s Glastonbury appearance was “not appropriate.”
Mr. Ó hAnnaidh is currently released on bail following a court hearing in London two weeks prior.
In the wake of the sets by Bob Vylan and Kneecap, Avon and Somerset Police announced a review of footage capturing comments made by performers on the West Holts stage.
The police force stated that the footage “will be assessed by officers to determine whether any offenses may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation.”