British police have opened a criminal investigation into performances by the rap-punk duo Bob Vylan and the Irish-language band Kneecap at the Glastonbury Festival. This follows their leading of large crowds in chants calling for “death” to the Israeli military and demanding a “free Palestine.”
The incidents occurred during the weekend at the UK’s largest summer music festival, and police have classified the events as a public order incident. Bob Vylan, who gained attention during the festival, led chants that included “free, free Palestine” and “death, death” to the Israeli military.
The BBC, which livestreamed the performance, expressed regret for broadcasting the event and acknowledged it should have been pulled from the air. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other politicians condemned the chants, labeling them as “appalling hate speech.” Starmer has called for the BBC to explain how such content was aired.
Ofcom, the UK’s broadcasting regulator, has voiced serious concerns about the BBC’s livestream and stated that the broadcaster must answer questions regarding the incident. Meanwhile, the US Department of State responded by revoking the visas of Bob Vylan and his bandmates, stating that “foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors to our country,” according to Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau.
The backdrop to this controversy includes ongoing tensions related to Israel’s military actions in Gaza, which have sparked pro-Palestinian protests worldwide. Critics of Israel argue that the country uses accusations of anti-Semitism to silence dissent.
Bob Vylan’s music often addresses social issues like racism and class struggles, and the group has previously expressed support for Palestinians. After the festival, Bobby Vylan posted on Instagram, affirming his stance and emphasizing the importance of teaching children to advocate for change.
Kneecap, which performed after Bob Vylan, also gained significant attention for their pro-Palestine message. Their set was not livestreamed by the BBC, but it attracted a large audience on TikTok. The band led crowds in chants calling for a free Palestine and directed an expletive-laden message at Starmer, who had previously criticized their participation in the festival due to legal issues faced by one of its members.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has drawn international criticism, with protests in support of Palestinians occurring in cities across Europe and beyond. In May, countries including France, Canada, and the UK issued a statement urging Israel to cease its military actions, highlighting the growing global concern over the situation.