UK Desk, Delhi Magazine: major controversy erupted at Glastonbury Festival this weekend after British punk-rap duo Bob Vylan led chants on stage that included “Death to the IDF,” sparking widespread criticism, official condemnation, and police scrutiny.
During their performance on the West Holts stage on Friday evening, the duo—known for their provocative and politically charged lyrics—led a chant of “Free, free Palestine” followed by “Death, death to the IDF,” referencing the Israeli Defense Forces. The performance was broadcast live by the BBC, prompting an immediate backlash across social media and political circles.
In response, Glastonbury Festival organizers released a firm statement on their official channels, saying:
“We are appalled by the statements made from the West Holts stage by Bob Vylan yesterday. Their chants very much 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.”
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The backlash extended to BBC, which was criticized for airing the performance without immediate content censorship. The broadcaster later removed the performance from its on-demand platforms and issued a content warning.
UK leaders responded swiftly:
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Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the chants as “appalling hate speech.”
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Health Secretary Wes Streeting called for accountability from both the BBC and Glastonbury organizers.
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Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy reached out to the BBC Director-General for a formal explanation.
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The Israeli Embassy in London and organizations like the Campaign Against Antisemitism condemned the incident, calling it “a vile and dangerous display.”
The Avon & Somerset Police confirmed that they are reviewing video footage to determine whether any criminal laws were broken during the performance. A spokesperson said, “We have been made aware of footage circulating on social media. We are assessing its contents in relation to relevant legislation.”
Bob Vylan, known for blending punk with political protest, has not issued a formal statement yet, but their lyrics and actions have reignited debates around freedom of expression, political protest, and the boundaries of public discourse in artistic spaces.
The incident comes amid heightened global tensions surrounding the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, with both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel demonstrations becoming increasingly common across Europe.
This controversy is one of several that have unfolded during this year’s Glastonbury, a festival that has long prided itself on promoting messages of peace, diversity, and inclusivity. However, as political divisions deepen worldwide, the fine line between activism and extremism on the public stage is under intense scrutiny.
