The recent Glastonbury Festival performance by British rap-punk duo Bob Vylan sparked international controversy after frontman Bobby Vylan led crowds in chants of “Death, death to the IDF” (Israel Defense Forces), which was broadcast live by the BBC. The incident has triggered government condemnations, legal investigations, and international repercussions, occurring against a backdrop of record-high antisemitic incidents in the UK. Below is a factual overview and legal analysis of the event and its aftermath.
Incident Details
During their June 28 performance on Glastonbury’s West Holts stage, Bobby Vylan (real name Pascal Robinson-Foster) initiated chants including “Free, free Palestine” and “Death, death to the IDF.” The BBC livestreamed the set without interruption, displaying only a generic warning about “strong and discriminatory language.” The broadcast was later removed from BBC iPlayer, with the corporation acknowledging regret for not cutting the feed.
Reactions and Consequences
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the chants as “appalling hate speech,” while Culture Minister Lisa Nandy stated the government “will not tolerate antisemitism.” Nandy demanded an “urgent explanation” from BBC Director-General Tim Davie regarding broadcast protocols12.
The U.S. State Department revoked Bob Vylan’s visas, citing their “hateful outburst” and incitement to violence. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau emphasized that “visitors who promote violence and animosity are not welcome”.
Jewish Community Leaders highlighted a 2024 record of 3,528 antisemitic incidents in the UK, arguing the Glastonbury incident reflects systemic downplaying of anti-Jewish hatred. UK has become the hub for global antisemite.
Potential Legal Violations
UK hate speech laws, primarily under the Public Order Act 1986, could implicate multiple parties:
Bob Vylan (Performers)
- Part 3 (Racial Hatred): Using “threatening, abusive or insulting words” to stir racial hatred against Israelis/Jews, punishable by up to seven years imprisonment. The chant “Death to the IDF” may constitute incitement given its call for violence against a national group.
- Part 3A (Religious Hatred): If deemed targeted at Jewish religious identity, the same maximum penalty applies.
BBC (Broadcaster)
- Section 22: Broadcasting “threatening, abusive or insulting” material likely to stir racial/religious hatred. Prosecution requires proof of intent or negligence; defences include lack of prior knowledge or inability to remove content.
- Corporate Liability: If convicted, the BBC faces unlimited fines. Senior staff could face individual prosecution if complicity is proven.
- Attorney General Consent: Required for any racial hatred prosecution.
Festival Organizers
While not directly cited in investigations, Glastonbury organizers could face scrutiny under:
- Public Order Act 1986: If evidence shows failure to prevent known hate speech, though liability is less clear than for performers/broadcasters.
Ongoing Developments
- Avon and Somerset Police are “assessing video evidence” to determine criminality2.
- Campaign group UK Lawyers for Israel filed a formal complaint against the BBC, urging prosecution under hate speech laws.
- The incident coincides with revised BBC guidelines stating hate speech “should not be included in output unless justified by context”.
This incident follows a 74% year-on-year rise in UK antisemitic incidents since Hamas’ October 2023 attack on Israel, with 3,528 cases recorded in 2024. The UK’s hate speech framework distinguishes between protected criticism of Israel and unlawful incitement against Jewish people, a nuance central to ongoing legal assessments.
-
-
-
-