In This Article

  • Government Criticizes Glastonbury Festival for Controversial Chants
  • BBC Acknowledges Offensive Comments
  • Local Authorities Review Videos of Comments
  • Government Seeks Explanation from BBC Director General
  • Kneecap's Performance and Allegations Against Mo Chara
  • Avon and Somerset Police to Review West Holts Stage Footage

Key Takeaways

  • The British government criticized the live broadcast of controversial chants calling for 'death' to the Israeli military during the Glastonbury Festival.
  • BBC acknowledged that some comments made during the performance were 'deeply offensive' and issued a warning on-screen.
  • Local authorities are reviewing videos of the comments made by Bob Vylan and Kneecap to determine if any offenses were committed.
  • Kneecap's performance included expletive-laden chants directed at Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
  • Avon and Somerset Police will review footage of comments made on the West Holts stage to determine if any offenses were committed.

The British government has harshly criticized the live broadcast on BBC1 of controversial chants calling for "death" to the Israeli military during the Glastonbury Festival. Rap punk duo Bob Vylan led the chants for "free, free Palestine" and "death, death to the IDF [Israel Defense Forces]" during their performance, which took place just prior to Belfast rap trio Kneecap's appearance.

A representative from the BBC acknowledged that some comments made during the performance were "deeply offensive," and they issued a warning on-screen about the use of "very strong and discriminatory language." The performance will not be available for rewatch on BBC iPlayer.

Local authorities are reviewing videos of the comments made by both Bob Vylan and Kneecap to determine if any offenses were committed. Following the performance, the government expressed concern and sought an "urgent explanation" from BBC Director General Tim Davie about the broadcaster's due diligence prior to airing the act.

Bob Vylan's set on the West Holts stage took place ahead of Irish-language rap group Kneecap, who have recently made headlines for allegations against member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, who performs as Mo Chara. He was charged with a terrorism offense for reportedly displaying the flag of the proscribed terrorist organization Hezbollah at a concert last year. He has denied the charge.

Kneecap's performance on Saturday was watched by thousands and included expletive-laden chants directed at Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who previously deemed their Glastonbury appearance "not appropriate." Mr. Ó hAnnaidh is currently out on bail after a court hearing in London two weeks ago.

Following the sets from Bob Vylan and Kneecap, Avon and Somerset Police stated they would review footage of comments made on the West Holts stage. The force stated that the footage "will be assessed by officers to determine whether any offenses may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation."

Kneecap responded to Starmer's criticism during their charged Glastonbury set.

Tags:

#Government #Controversy #Glastonbury #BBC #Music Festival