The BBC will no longer broadcast live performances that the corporation deems to be “high risk” after facing backlash for streaming a Glastonbury set by rap duo Bob Vylan online.
The decision, announced in a statement by the broadcaster, comes after a Saturday afternoon set at the festival’s West Holts stage was shared live online, and saw Bob Vylan lead the crowd in a “death to the IDF” chant. The duo’s stage set-up also featured a backdrop, reading: “Free Palestine. United Nations have called it a genocide. The BBC calls it a ‘conflict’.”
In a statement, the BBC said: “We fully understand the strength of feeling regarding Bob Vylan’s live appearance at Glastonbury on the BBC. We deeply regret that such offensive and deplorable behaviour appeared on the BBC and want to apologise to our viewers and listeners, and in particular the Jewish community. We are also unequivocal that there can be no place for antisemitism at, or on, the BBC.”
It continued: “Given the failings that have been acknowledged we are taking actions to ensure proper accountability for those found to be responsible for those failings in the live broadcast. We will not comment further on those processes at this time.” It’s additionally been confirmed that the BBC’s Head Of Music, Lorna Clarke, has temporarily stepped down as the live broadcast of Bob Vylan’s set continues to be investigated.
The broadcaster confirmed that going forward, “any music performances deemed high risk will now not be broadcast live or streamed live,” while “editorial policy support will always be available on site at major music festivals and events, to improve compliance processes and the speed of available advice”.
Amid further fallout from the performance, Bob Vylan have had their US visas revoked, forcing the cancellation of planned live shows. They have also been dropped from the lineup for Manchester’s forthcoming RADAR Festival, and are also now facing a criminal investigation in the UK, as confirmed by Avon and Somerset Police last week.
Responding to the backlash, Bob Vylan’s two members jointly said that they are “not for the death of Jews, Arabs or any other race or group of people,” and added: “We are for the dismantling of a violent military machine. We are being targeted for speaking up. We are not the first. We will not be the last. If you care for the sanctity of human life and freedom of speech, we urge you to speak up, too.”
Read the BBC’s full statement here.
