Louis Theroux podcast dropped by British Airways over Bob Vylan controversy

Louis Theroux podcast dropped by British Airways after Bob Vylan’s explosive Glastonbury comments spark outrage

British Airways has officially pulled its sponsorship from The Louis Theroux Podcast after the journalist’s latest interview with musician Bobby Vylan reignited controversy surrounding the artist’s Glastonbury performance. The airline confirmed that the episode, which aired earlier this month, breached its policy on “politically sensitive or controversial subjects.”

In the episode, recorded on 1 October, the Bob Vylan frontman, whose real name is Pascal Robinson-Foster, stood by his decision to lead chants of “death, death to the IDF” during his set at the Glastonbury Festival in June 2025. He told Theroux he felt “not regretful” about the chant and would “do it again tomorrow,” citing his support for Palestinians and his frustration with what he described as “rightwing backlash.”

Following the broadcast, British Airways said in a statement to PA Media: “Our sponsorship of the series has now been paused and the advert has been removed. We’re grateful this was brought to our attention, as the content clearly breaches our sponsorship policy in relation to politically sensitive or controversial subject matters.”

The fallout adds another chapter to Bob Vylan’s ongoing controversy. The punk-rap duo previously postponed gigs in Manchester and beyond after calls from MPs and Jewish community leaders. Their agency UTA dropped them earlier this year, and the US state department revoked their visas, forcing the cancellation of a North American tour.

Louis Theroux, known for his unfiltered interview style and ability to draw candid confessions from guests, has not publicly responded to the sponsorship withdrawal. Online, reactions have been divided, some praising him for allowing open dialogue, others calling the decision to air such content “irresponsible.”

As entertainment meets political tension, the clash between free speech and corporate caution takes centre stage once again. For Theroux, this latest controversy shows that even his podcast, known for nuanced celebrity interviews, is not immune to the fallout of today’s cultural divides.