The BBC has partly upheld complaints regarding its decision to stream punk duo Bob Vylan's performance at this year's Glastonbury festival. The broadcaster's executive complaints unit (ECU) found that the set breached editorial guidelines on harm and offence due to frontman Bobby Vylan's chant of 'death, death to the IDF', use of slogans 'from the river to the sea' and 'free, free Palestine', and referring to record executives as 'fucking Zionists'. The ECU stated that these comments could 'fairly be characterised as antisemitic', perpetuating a stereotype of Jewish influence in the music industry.
However, the set was cleared of being likely to encourage or incite crime. The ECU noted that references to 'free Palestine' and 'from the river to the sea' could be seen as expressions of support for a Palestinian state without threatening violence. The chant 'death, death to the IDF' was considered problematic but directed at an institution, not individuals defined by ethnicity or religion. The performance was also cleared of breaching BBC impartiality rules, as the coverage of a music festival was deemed different from news and current affairs.
Bob Vylan have defended their statements, projecting a message on stage that read: 'Free Palestine – United Nations have called it a genocide – the BBC calls it a conflict'. Glastonbury organisers said they were 'appalled' by the statements, and BBC director general Tim Davie expressed deep regret that such 'offensive and deplorable behaviour' appeared on the BBC. The BBC removed the footage from on-demand services and said it would no longer broadcast live performances deemed 'high risk'. BBC chair Samir Shah called it 'unquestionably an error of judgment'.
Avon and Somerset police are continuing their investigation into Bob Vylan's comments, considering all appropriate legislation including hate crimes. A spokesperson said they are working with the Crown Prosecution Service and other police forces, recognising the strength of public feeling. Separately, a forthcoming gig in the Netherlands was cancelled after Bobby Vylan was accused of celebrating the death of far-right influencer Charlie Kirk; the venue said his comments went 'too far', though Vylan denied celebrating the death.
