The BBC has partly upheld complaints over its decision to stream punk duo Bob Vylan's performance at this year's Glastonbury festival. The broadcaster's executive complaints unit (ECU) said it broke editorial guidelines on harm and offence due to frontman Bobby Vylan's chants and slogans.
The ECU found that chants of 'death, death to the IDF', slogans 'from the river to the sea' and 'free, free Palestine', and referring to record executives as 'fucking Zionists' could 'fairly be characterised as antisemitic', perpetuating stereotypes of Jewish influence. However, the set was cleared of likely encouraging crime, with the ECU noting that 'free Palestine' and 'from the river to the sea' can be seen as expressions of support for a Palestinian state without threatening violence.
Bob Vylan 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', while BBC director general Tim Davie said he 'deeply regret[ted] such offensive and deplorable behaviour'. 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'.
The ECU also cleared the set of breaching impartiality rules, stating that festival coverage is not on the same footing as news, and wide tolerance for expressions of opinion is expected. Separately, Avon and Somerset police are investigating the comments, considering hate crime legislation and working with the Crown Prosecution Service. A spokesperson said: 'We recognise the strength of public feeling... we hope the ongoing enquiries provide reassurance.'
Earlier this month, a gig in the Netherlands was cancelled after Bobby Vylan called late far-right influencer Charlie Kirk 'an absolute piece of shit' and said 'if you chat shit, you will get banged'. The venue said his comments went 'too far'.
