The BBC is under fire following the live broadcast of Bob Vylan's performance at Glastonbury Festival on June 28, 2025. The punk duo's set on the West Holts Stage included chants of "death to the IDF" and "free, free Palestine," accompanied by the display of Palestinian flags.
The broadcaster, which had previously avoided livestreaming Kneecap's performance, faced immediate criticism for airing Bob Vylan's set. The BBC issued a statement condemning the comments as "deeply offensive" and stated that a warning was displayed during the live stream. The performance is unavailable on demand.
Glastonbury Festival organizers also condemned the performance, reiterating that the event does not tolerate antisemitism, hate speech, or incitement to violence. In response, Bob Vylan's frontman, Bobby Vylan, expressed gratitude for the support received and emphasized the importance of advocating for change.
The incident has drawn the attention of Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator, which is seeking information from the BBC. The controversy continues to evolve, sparking debates about freedom of expression versus the responsibilities of broadcasters and event organizers as of June 30, 2025.