BBC responds to Kneecap and Bob Vylan’s Glastonbury sets after pro-Palestine chants

The BBC has issued a formal statement following mounting controversy over the Glastonbury performances of Irish rap group Kneecap and punk duo Bob Vylan. Both acts drew public attention and audience support after making pro-Palestine statements and chants during their respective sets at the festival.

Kneecap, who performed on the West Holts Stage, led chants of "Free Palestine" and "F*** Keir Starmer," while Bob Vylan, who performed shortly before, stirred further outrage by shouting "Death to the IDF" during their set. Bob Vylan’s performance was broadcast live by the BBC, whereas Kneecap’s was not aired in real time. However, Kneecap’s full set has since been uploaded to BBC iPlayer.

In a statement, a BBC spokesperson explained, “We have made an on-demand version of Kneecap's performance available on iPlayer… edited to ensure the content falls within the limits of artistic expression in line with our editorial guidelines.” The BBC added that strong language was accompanied by appropriate warnings and that they do not ban artists but also noted, “We didn’t stream Kneecap live.”

Addressing Bob Vylan’s set, the BBC stated: “Some of the comments made… were deeply offensive.” The live stream of their performance included an on-screen warning about discriminatory language, but the BBC confirmed they have no plans to make it available on-demand.

Glastonbury organizers also issued a response, saying the artists’ comments “crossed a line,” adding, “There is no place at Glastonbury for antisemitism, hate speech, or incitement to violence.”

UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting and the Israeli embassy have both condemned the incidents. Streeting labeled the performances a “shameless publicity stunt” and suggested both the BBC and Glastonbury organizers have “questions to answer.” Law enforcement is also reportedly investigating after footage of the incidents circulated online.

All in all, the official statements delivered seemed to be at odds with audience sentiments, who were waving Palestinian flags.