LONDON – British authorities have initiated a criminal investigation following a polarizing performance by the rap-punk duo Bob Vylan at the Glastonbury Festival, where the artists led a chant that called for “death” to the Israeli military.
The U.S. State Department has also reacted by revoking the U.S. visas of the duo, who were preparing for an American tour later this year, citing their inciting speech at the festival.
During what was a controversial appearance at Britain’s largest summer music festival, rapper Bobby Vylan encouraged the audience to shout “free, free Palestine” as well as chants against the Israeli Defense Forces.
The BBC, which streamed the event live, later stated their regret over the decision. They expressed concerns about the anti-Semitic sentiments displayed during the performance, noting the issue of inciting violence, even as they defend freedom of expression.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer joined a chorus of U.K. politicians in condemning Bob Vylan’s onstage rhetoric, emphasizing that such harmful speech is indefensible.
Avon and Somerset Police are now probing the actions of both Bob Vylan and Irish band Kneecap. The events have been classified as a public order incident by law enforcement.
The current global situation with Israel and Hamas has heightened political sensitivities and prompted pro-Palestinian demonstrations internationally. There is debate, however, about whether these demonstrations cross into anti-Semitic territory.
U.K.’s regulatory body Ofcom is demanding answers from the BBC regarding the live broadcast of the performance. Although the broadcaster had warned viewers about potentially offensive language, the responsibility of streaming such content has come into question.
In response to the brewing controversy, the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State announced the revocation of visas for Bob Vylan’s members, stressing that individuals promoting violence and hatred are not welcome in the U.S.
Starmer has insisted the BBC provides clarification on how the performance was allowed to air. Previously, Bob Vylan has crafted music that touches on social issues like racism and politics, having released several albums since forming in 2017.
Amid the backlash, Bobby Vylan has received mixed reactions from supporters and critics alike, using social media to highlight the importance of urging societal change through spoken expression.
Kneecap, scheduled to perform after Bob Vylan, incited discussions with their support of the Palestinian cause and for inciting remarks against Starmer. The controversial history of Kneecap adds complexity, particularly as one member faces criminal charges related to previous acts perceived as supportive of terrorism.
While the BBC chose not to broadcast Kneecap’s performance live, they made it available later through their online platform.
The rhetoric from both performances was denounced by the Israeli Embassy in the U.K., expressing strong concern over the incendiary discourse on the festival stage.
Glastonbury has multiple performers every year, but recent events have drawn focused criticism as Israel faces ongoing scrutiny over its military actions in Gaza.
Long-standing tensions have sparked international pressure on Israel, particularly as its military operations in Gaza have resulted in significant civilian casualties. Criticism from several countries has highlighted Israel’s military strategies, though Israel asserts its focus on targeting militants, attributing civilian harm to militants hiding among non-combatants.
As the situation in Gaza remains volatile, backlash from international communities continues with calls for a reevaluation of military tactics and humanitarian considerations.