The BBC has publicly acknowledged significant failings in its handling of punk duo Bob Vylan's performance at Glastonbury Festival, where controversial chants targeting the Israeli military were broadcast live.
Prior to the Saturday set, Bob Vylan was one of seven acts categorized as "high risk" through the broadcaster's assessment process. Despite this designation, the BBC initially deemed the act suitable for live streaming with mitigations like potential warnings.
During their performance, frontman Bobby Vylan led the crowd in chanting "death, death to the IDF [Israel Defence Forces]". This segment was streamed live on BBC iPlayer and remained available for over four hours, allowing viewers to rewind and replay it.
Internal BBC protocols escalated issues during the stream, and warnings appeared twice. However, BBC Chair Samir Shah stated the editorial team committed an "unquestionably... error of judgement" by not cutting the feed. Director General Tim Davie, present at the festival, later ordered the removal of the performance from on-demand platforms, though the live feed lingered.
Davie expressed deep regret and apologized to viewers, listeners, and the Jewish community for the broadcast of what he called "offensive and deplorable behaviour". The incident drew condemnation from UK Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis and media regulator Ofcom. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy demanded accountability from the BBC's highest levels regarding oversight and response delays.
The broadcaster announced immediate policy changes: "Any music performances deemed high risk by the BBC will now not be broadcast live or streamed live." It is also taking action to "ensure proper accountability" for staff responsible for the broadcast failings, with some personnel reportedly moved off duties in the music and live events team.
Meanwhile, police investigations have been launched in Avon and Somerset concerning the Glastonbury comments, and by the Metropolitan Police regarding alleged remarks made by the band at a London concert in May. Following the incident, Bob Vylan has faced cancellations of several festival bookings.
In a statement, Bob Vylan asserted they are "not for the death of Jews, Arabs or any other race," but rather for "the dismantling of a violent military machine," claiming their sanctions serve as a distraction from the core issue.
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