The BBC has apologized for airing a live stream of punk-rap duo Bob Vylan’s performance at the Glastonbury Festival, during which the band led the crowd in chanting “Death to the IDF.” The broadcaster called the chants “antisemitic sentiments” that are “utterly unacceptable” and said they “have no place on our airwaves.”
The incident has sparked widespread criticism. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer demanded an explanation from the BBC over how such content was broadcast. The UK media regulator Ofcom expressed concern and said the BBC “clearly has questions to answer.” About 150 complaints had been received by June 30, 2025.
Glastonbury co-organizer Emily Eavis condemned the chants, saying they “very much crossed a line” and stressed that “there is no place at Glastonbury for antisemitism, hate speech or incitement to violence.” The Israeli embassy in the UK also called the rhetoric “inflammatory and hateful” and warned against normalizing extremist language.
Ofcom has started gathering information about the BBC’s editorial processes for the broadcast but has not yet launched a formal investigation. Police in Avon and Somerset are reviewing video footage from Bob Vylan and other performances to decide if any criminal offenses occurred.
The controversy has had further consequences. The US State Department revoked Bob Vylan’s visas before a planned American tour, with officials stating that “foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors” to the country. The Campaign Against Antisemitism announced plans to complain formally to the BBC over the decision to air the performance.
This event has placed the BBC and Glastonbury Festival under intense scrutiny over editorial judgment, live broadcast controls, and the limits of free speech at major cultural events.
