BBC Issues Statement on Bob Vylan Glastonbury Livestream

UPDATED: The BBC has released a statement regarding Bob Vylan's Glastonbury set on Saturday, stating that it "should have pulled" the livestream of the performance. UTA has ended its representation of the band, according to sources, and an official criminal investigation has been initiated in the U.K. Additionally, the punk-rap duo's U.S. visas have been revoked, which prevents them from touring in the United States this fall.

The duo led the audience in several chants during their performance on Saturday afternoon, including "death, death to the IDF [Israel Defense Forces]," "free, free Palestine," and "from the river to the sea, Palestine must be free." This occurred prior to Irish rap group Kneecap's scheduled set on the West Holts stage.

The BBC did not broadcast Kneecap's performance following previous controversy over their political statements. Bob Vylan's set, however, was shown live.

BBC Statement

"The team were dealing with a live situation but with hindsight we should have pulled the stream during the performance. We regret this did not happen," the BBC said on Monday. "The BBC respects freedom of expression but stands firmly against incitement to violence. The antisemitic sentiments expressed by Bob Vylan were unacceptable and have no place on our airwaves. In light of this weekend, we will review our guidance around live events so teams are clear on when it is appropriate to keep output on air."

Police Investigation

A police investigation has been launched into comments made by both Bob Vylan and Kneecap. An update from Avon and Somerset Police on Monday stated:

"Following the completion of that assessment process we have decided further enquiries are required and a criminal investigation is now being undertaken. A senior detective has been appointed to lead this investigation. This has been recorded as a public order incident at this time while our enquiries are at an early stage. The investigation will be evidence-led and will closely consider all appropriate legislation, including relating to hate crimes."

U.S. Visa Revocation

Bob Vylan's U.S. visas were revoked on Monday. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau posted on X:

"The @StateDept has revoked the U.S. visas for the members of the Bob Vylan band in light of their comments at Glastonbury, including leading the crowd in chants. Foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors to our country."

The duo had planned to tour the U.S. in the fall.

Glastonbury Organizers' Statement

On Sunday, Glastonbury organizers released a statement regarding Bob Vylan's comments:

"Their chants crossed a line and we are urgently reminding everyone involved in the production of the festival that there is no place at Glastonbury for antisemitism, hate speech or incitement to violence."

Bob Vylan's Response

Later on Sunday, lead singer Bobby Vylan posted a statement on Instagram:

"It is important that we encourage and inspire future generations to pick up the torch that was passed to us. Let us display to them the right thing to do when we want and need change. Let them see us marching in the streets, campaigning on ground level, organizing online and speaking about it on any and every stage that we are offered."

Representatives for Bob Vylan did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the BBC's statement.

Deadline first reported the news about Bob Vylan being dropped by UTA.