BBC regrets streaming Bob Vylan's antisemitic chants at Glastonbury
- During the Glastonbury Festival, Bob Vylan led the crowd in chants deemed antisemitic by many.
- The BBC has faced criticism and expressed regret for broadcasting the performance, stating it was 'unacceptable'.
- Political leaders and regulators are demanding accountability and clarity from the BBC regarding their editorial decisions.
In late June 2025, the BBC broadcasted a performance by the punk-rap duo Bob Vylan at the Glastonbury Festival in the United Kingdom, which included chants that many, including the British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, labeled as antisemitic. These chants, which called for 'death' to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and expressed support for Palestine, sparked significant backlash from the public and various government officials. Starmer condemned the performance, expressing that there was no justification for such hate speech and calling for accountability from the BBC regarding its broadcasting decisions. The British broadcasting regulator, Ofcom, also voiced concerns about the incident. As a response to the public outcry, the BBC issued a statement regretting their failure to cut the livestream at an appropriate time. They characterized the sentiments expressed in the performance as 'utterly unacceptable' and emphasized their commitment to freedom of expression while opposing incitement to violence. In the wake of this event, Glastonbury Festival organizers apologized and reiterated their ethos that promotes inclusivity, peace, and respect at the festival. Police in Somerset will review footage of the performance to assess whether any legal offenses were committed during the chants. The incident occurred amid intense global discussions regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with the BBC previously acknowledging the sensitive nature of coverage surrounding such topics. However, the BBC faced criticism not only for airing Bob Vylan's set but also for failing to act swiftly to prevent the broadcast of what many deemed inflammatory rhetoric. Given the potential impact of such incendiary speech in a politically charged atmosphere, the BBC's handling of this incident has reignited debates about media responsibility, freedom of expression, and the discourse surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The festival has drawn attention to other acts like Kneecap, which also faced scrutiny for similar political acts during their performances. This situational overlap suggests broader themes of activism, free speech, and media coverage that continue to shape public perception regarding the ongoing conflict.