The BBC has stated that it’s going to now not be broadcasting performances it considers “excessive danger” following Bob Vylan’s divisive set at Glastonbury.
The duo’s controversial efficiency happened at Worthy Farm final Saturday (June 28), and noticed them voice their help for Palestine, in addition to name out the BBC, Israel, the US and UK governments.
They projected a message studying “Free Palestine – United Nations have referred to as it a genocide – the BBC calls it a ‘battle’” onto the display screen behind them, and in addition led chants of each “free, free Palestine” and “dying, dying to the IDF [Israel Defence Forces]”.
Now, the BBC has shared a press release, saying that it has determined to now not share broadcasts of “high-risk” performances.
In a notice to BBC employees, Director-Basic Tim Davie stated: “I deeply remorse that such offensive and deplorable behaviour appeared on the BBC and wish to express regret – to our viewers and to all of you, however particularly to Jewish colleagues and the Jewish neighborhood.
“We’re unequivocal that there will be no place for anti-Semitism on the BBC. I and everybody want to make sure that the BBC is a task mannequin for inclusivity and tolerance and all of us have a component to play. We’re completely dedicated to creating an atmosphere the place everyone seems to be supported and might do their absolute best work.”
In an official assertion from the BBC concerning the Bob Vylan slot, the broadcaster said that it wished to “apologise to our viewers and listeners and particularly the Jewish neighborhood,” and was adamant that “there will be no place for anti-Semitism at, or on, the BBC.”
It added that there have been “errors made each within the lead-up to and through Bob Vylan’s look”. These included the choice to reside stream their set regardless of them being considered one of seven acts deemed “excessive danger”, the presumption that “compliance dangers might be mitigated in actual time on the reside stream”, and the choice to not minimize the published when issues escalated.
Within the adjustments it should implement going ahead, the BBC has stated it is not going to enable “any music performances deemed excessive danger to be broadcast reside or streamed reside”.
It additionally stated that sooner or later, “editorial coverage help will at all times be accessible on website at main music festivals and occasions, to enhance compliance processes and the pace of obtainable recommendation”, and that it’s going to “present extra detailed, sensible steering on the edge for withdrawing a reside stream.”
A brand new assertion was shared by Chair of the BBC, Samir Shah, too, which learn: “I’d like initially to apologise to all our viewers and listeners and significantly the Jewish neighborhood for permitting the ‘artist’ Bob Vylan to specific unconscionable anti-Semitic views reside on the BBC.
“This was unquestionably an error of judgement. I used to be more than happy to notice that as quickly as this got here to the discover of Tim Davie – who was on the Glastonbury website on the time visiting BBC employees – he took instant motion and instructed the crew to withdraw the efficiency from on demand protection.”
Shah continued: “The BBC Board met on Tuesday to listen to what actions will now be taken. The Government have agreed to place in place a set of strengthened editorial practices and insurance policies for reside music programming. These will probably be vital measures to safeguard future reside broadcasts from a failure resembling this.
“I’m glad that the Government is initiating a course of to make sure correct accountability for these discovered to be liable for the failings on this incident.
“Whereas it’s important that the method is carried out pretty and accurately, it’s equally vital that the Government takes decisive motion. The Board absolutely helps the Director-Basic and the swift actions taken by him and his crew to determine these errors and deal with them.”
BBC admits Bob Vylan deemed “excessive danger” earlier than Glastonbury and guarantees accountability for failures https://t.co/8t3izdf63v
— BBC Breaking Information (@BBCBreaking) July 3, 2025
After Bob Vylan’s set, Glastonbury organisers issued a press release, saying it was “appalled” by their “dying to the IDF” chants, and additional backlash got here from Cupboard minister Wes Streeting, and Tradition Secretary Lisa Nandy – who stated that the BBC’s resolution to broadcast the efficiency reveals “an issue of management”.
Elsewhere, US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau described the actions as a “hateful tirade” and confirmed that the band have had their US visas revoked consequently.
Bob Vylan have reportedly been dropped by their agent United Expertise Company (UTA) following the on-stage actions, Somerset police have launched “a felony investigation” into the set, they usually have been faraway from reveals in Manchester, Cologne, and Gisors (France).
Manchester’s Radar Competition have stated that they have been put beneath strain to take the group off the invoice, however reaffirmed that they have been very reluctant to take action.
The duo have spoken out to defend their Worthy Farm set twice now; each saying it’s critical to “train our kids to talk up for the change they need”, and reiterating that they’re wanting the “dismantling of a violent army machine”, not calling for “the dying of Jews or Arabs or every other race or group”.
Huge Assault have proven their help for Bob Vylan amid the furore as properly, and urged the media to centre their consideration in the direction of “what is going on each day to the folks of Gaza”, quite than specializing in the artists talking out.
Lambrini Women, Amyl And The Sniffers and Smooth Play have additionally shared their backing for the band, with the latter sharing a press release that learn: “Once more, the media is attempting to distract you from the true story. The outrage sparked […] is merely a smoke display screen for the dearth of reporting on the destruction of the Palestinian folks. They’re ravenous kids, the place is the media’s outrage at Israel’s continued obliteration of a complete nation?”
