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BBC Under Fire for Broadcasting Bob Vylan’s Anti-IDF Chants at Glastonbury
The British Broadcasting corporation faces severe criticism after airing rap group Bob Vylan’s performance at Glastonbury Festival on Saturday, June 28, 2025, which included anti-israel defense forces, IDF, chants.
Rapper Bobby Vylan led festival attendees in chants of “Free, Free Palestine” and “Death, Death to the IDF,” prompting widespread condemnation.
Backlash and Official Responses
The BBC has since acknowledged that it should have stopped the livestream. the broadcaster initially defended its decision by stating that it “respects freedom of expression but stands firmly against incitement to violence.”
However, the BBC later stated that the “antisemitic sentiments expressed by Bob Vylan were utterly unacceptable and have no place on our airwaves.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has strongly condemned the chants. He described them as “appalling hate speech” and demanded an explanation from the BBC regarding the broadcast, further amplifying the controversy surrounding the Glastonbury performance.
Ofcom,The broadcasting regulator,has expressed “very concerning” about the BBC’s decision to broadcast the performance that “clearly has questions to answer.”
Bob Vylan’s Response
Bob Vylan, formed in 2017, is known for addressing racism, masculinity, and class issues throughout their four albums. The group’s members maintain anonymity.
In a statement released on social media, Bobby Vylan defended his actions, stating, “Teaching our children to speak up for the change they want and need is the only way that we make this world a better place.”
Gaza Conflict Context
Tensions remain high following the collapse of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in March. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, Israeli attacks since the war began in October 2023 have resulted in over 56,000 deaths and 132,000 injuries in Gaza, while over 6,000 people have been killed and 20,000 injured in gaza since March.
