Glastonbury acts Kneecap, Bob Vylan face U.Okay. prison investigation : NPR

LONDON — The BBC and the annual Glastonbury Pageant of Modern Performing Arts have come underneath criticism from the British prime minister and broadcasting regulator after a punk-rap band led chants towards the Israeli navy throughout a pageant efficiency which was broadcast stay on Saturday afternoon.

British punk-rap duo Bob Vylan is now underneath a prison investigation within the U.Okay. after its lead singer, whose stage identify is Bobby Vylan (actual identify Pascal Robinson-Foster), led chants of “Dying, demise to the IDF” — referring to the Israeli navy — throughout a Glastonbury set.

The efficiency was streamed stay by the BBC on its iPlayer service. Inside seconds, the broadcaster added an on-screen warning for viewers about “very sturdy and discriminatory” language.

However high politicians shortly criticized the broadcaster’s determination to air the efficiency, together with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who stated that it contained “appalling hate speech” and that the BBC had “inquiries to reply.”

Irish rap band Kneecap carry out on the Glastonbury pageant on Saturday.

OLI SCARFF/AFP through Getty Photos

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OLI SCARFF/AFP through Getty Photos

One opposition lawmaker, Chris Philp, referred to as for the BBC to be prosecuted. The Conservative member of Parliament wrote on X, “By broadcasting his [Bobby Vylan’s] vile hatred, the BBC seem to have additionally damaged the legislation… Our nationwide broadcaster shouldn’t be transmitting hateful materials designed to incite violence and battle.”

In a assertion on Monday, the BBC stated it regretted not pulling away from the livestream. It stated, “The anti-semitic sentiments expressed by Bob Vylan have been totally unacceptable” and added that it “respects freedom of expression however stands firmly towards incitement to violence.”

The broadcaster had already determined to not broadcast the Glastonbury efficiency of Irish-language hip-hop band Kneecap stay.

The band has been essential of Israel previously. This 12 months, the BBC solely made accessible an edited model of Kneecap’s efficiency, during which band members led chants towards Prime Minister Keir Starmer and reiterated help for Palestinians within the Gaza Strip.

Starmer had beforehand stated it was “not applicable” for Kneecap to play Glastonbury, after one of many band members, Mo Chara, was charged with a terrorism offense, accused of holding up a flag in help of Hezbollah at a London live performance.

Talking in Parliament on Monday, British Tradition Secretary Lisa Nandy stated there have been “appalling and unacceptable scenes at Glastonbury on Saturday,” referring to Bob Vylan’s set.

U.Okay. police say a prison investigation has now been launched over each the Bob Vylan and Kneecap performances. An announcement from the police drive stated the investigation would look into whether or not feedback made by both act amounted to a prison offense, together with regarding hate crimes.

Bob Vylan was as a result of carry out within the U.S. later this 12 months. However the Glastonbury look can have repercussions for the band’s tour plans. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau wrote on X that the members of Bob Vylan would have their visas revoked, including, “Foreigners who glorify violence and hatred aren’t welcome guests to our nation.”

Glastonbury pageant organizers say they’re “appalled” by feedback made by Bob Vylan, which they stated “crossed a line.”

Bobby Vylan shared a assertion on Instagram after his efficiency, during which he stated, “Educating our kids to talk up for the change they need and want is the one method that we make this world a greater place.” Alongside the assertion was the caption: “I stated what I stated.”