The BBC is under intense scrutiny after broadcasting punk duo Bob Vylan’s Glastonbury performance, during which the crowd chanted “Death to the IDF,” prompting political backlash, public outrage, and an official police investigation.
At a Glance
- Bob Vylan led Glastonbury chants of “Death to the IDF” aired live on BBC platforms.
- Keir Starmer called the broadcast “appalling” and demanded a BBC explanation.
- Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy raised the issue with the BBC’s director-general.
- Police are investigating whether any criminal offense was committed.
- Organisers called the chant “hateful” and reaffirmed anti-hate speech policies.
Political and Diplomatic Fallout
The moment was broadcast live, drawing widespread criticism across the political spectrum. Labour leader Keir Starmer labeled the airing “appalling,” demanding answers from the broadcaster regarding how such content made it to air, according to The Times. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy immediately raised concerns with BBC director-general Tim Davie, and Health Secretary Wes Streeting added that both the BBC and Glastonbury organisers “have questions to answer.”
The Israeli Embassy in London condemned the performance, calling the language “deeply disturbing” and urging greater responsibility from British media outlets. As reported by the Associated Press, the embassy said extremist rhetoric of this nature endangers community safety and fuels antisemitism.
Organisers Respond, Police Investigate
Glastonbury organisers issued a statement saying they were “appalled” by the chants, reaffirming the festival’s stance against hate speech and emphasizing that such messages “have no place” at the event, as noted by The Guardian.
Avon and Somerset Police confirmed they are reviewing footage of the performance to determine whether any criminal offense took place. Authorities told the Associated Press that the content would be examined under hate speech legislation. The investigation was launched just days after another controversial Glastonbury act—Irish rap group Kneecap—was withheld from live broadcast by the BBC amid security concerns.
BBC Editorial Oversight Under Fire
The BBC defended its decision to air the performance live, citing a visible content warning that alerted viewers to potentially “very strong and discriminatory language.” However, the broadcaster later confirmed that the footage would not be made available on-demand. Critics have argued that real-time editorial oversight should have prevented such material from being aired in the first place, pointing to long-standing BBC policies on hate speech and political neutrality.
Public and political pressure continues to mount as calls grow for greater accountability and a formal review of the BBC’s editorial standards in live broadcast scenarios.