Rapper Bobby Vylan of UK punk-rap duo Bob Vylan triggered a major controversy following his Glastonbury Festival performance Friday as he led the crowd to chants of “Free, free Palestine” and “Death, death to the IDF.” The incident has prompted backlash from government officials, the Israeli embassy, and festival organizers, while Avon and Somerset Police have launched an official investigation into possible hate speech or incitement.The chant was broadcast live on BBC iPlayer, prompting widespread criticism from the broadcaster. The BBC later issued a warning for “strong and discriminatory language” and confirmed the performance would not be made available for streaming on demand.
Organizers ‘appalled’, says Bobby Vylan crossed a line
Emily Eavis, Glastonbury’s co-organizer, distanced the festival from the remarks, and said the organizers do not condone the chants. “These comments very much crossed a line. There is absolutely no place at Glastonbury for hate speech.” Festival organizers reiterated their stance against antisemitism and violence, adding that they were reviewing internal processes following the incident.
Israel embassy in UK says this is not freedom of speech
The Embassy of Israel in the UK issued a statement noting that it is deeply disturbed by the inflammatory and hateful rhetoric. “Freedom of expression is a cornerstone of democracy. But when speech crosses into incitement, hatred, and advocacy of ethnic cleansing, it must be called out—especially when amplified by public figures on prominent platforms,” it said. “Chants such as “Death to the IDF,” and “From the river to the sea” are slogans that advocate for the dismantling of the State of Israel and implicitly call for the elimination of Jewish self-determination. When such messages are delivered before tens of thousands of festivalgoers and met with applause, it raises serious concerns about the normalisation of extremist language and the glorification of violence,” the statement added.UK culture secretary Lisa Nandy demanded an explanation from BBC Director-General Tim Davie, calling the broadcast “deeply irresponsible.” Health Secretary Wes Streeting described the chants as “a disgrace.” The Campaign Against Antisemitism announced it would file a formal complaint with the BBC, accusing the network of amplifying an extremist narrative.Avon and Somerset Police confirmed they are reviewing footage from the performance and assessing whether criminal charges may be appropriate under laws governing incitement and hate speech. “We are aware of footage circulating online and are assessing whether any offences have been committed,” a spokesperson said.