A CRIMINAL probe has been launched into Bob Vylan’s controversial Glastonbury performance.
The BBC were slammed for broadcasting the performance by Bobby Vylan, the frontman of the band, who chanted “death to the IDF” and other alleged anti-Semitic slurs on the West Holts stage on Saturday.
PAThey are both subject to a criminal investigation[/caption]
PAThe two groups face further investigations[/caption]
The force posted a statement online
The performance is now subject to a criminal investigation and has been recorded as a public order incident.
Controversial Irish rock group Kneecap are also subject to the probe after the group took to the stage and led a “free Palestine” chant before leading five chants against the Prime Minister.
Avon and Somerset Police confirmed that cops were investigating the two groups after video and audio footage had been examined.
Posting on X, the force said: “Video footage and audio from Bob Vylan and Kneecap’s performances at Glastonbury Festival has been reviewed.
“Following the completion of that assessment process we have decided further enquiries are required and a criminal investigation is now being undertaken.
“A senior detective has been appointed to lead this investigation.
“This has been recorded as a public order incident at this time while our enquiries are at an early stage.”
It confirmed that it had received a “large amount” of contact from across the world about the disturbing performances.
“The investigation will be evidence-led and will closely consider all appropriate legislation, including relating to hate crimes.
“We have received a large amount of contact in relation to these events from people across the world and recognise the strength of public feeling.
“There is absolutely no place in society for hate.
“Neighbourhood policing teams are speaking with people in their local communities and key stakeholders to make sure anyone who needs us knows we are here for them.
“We hope the work we have carried out, and our continuing to carry out, reassures the public how seriously we are treating Saturday’s events.
“We politely ask the public to refrain from continuing to report this matter to us because an investigation is already taking place.”
Footage of Bob Vylan first hears the band members and crowds chant “Free free” before Bobby says: “Have you heard this one though?
“Death, death, to the IDF.”
The crowds then parroted the chant back at him.
It comes after Kneecap rapper JJ O Dochartaigh was seen in an X post wearing a top referring to the anti-Israel campaign group Palestine Action, amid British government plans to make it illegal to join the organisation.
US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau confirmed today that visas belonging to Bob Vylan had been revoked because of “their hateful tirade at Glastonbury”.
Mr Landau accused the duo of “glorifying violence” during the disturbing set.
Posting on X, he said: “The Department of State has revoked the US visas for the members of the Bob Vylan band in light of their hateful tirade at Glastonbury, including leading the crowd in death chants.
“Foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors to our country.”
PM Keir Starmer last night blasted the BBC for allowing the hate-filled rant to be broadcast on live TV.
Demanding an explanation from director-general Tim Davie, the Prime Minister said: “There is no excuse for this kind of appalling hate speech.”
InstagramBobby Vylan was seen eating ice cream after his set on Saturday[/caption]
GettyLiam Og O hAnnaidh and Naoise O Caireallain of Kneecap during the Glastonbury set[/caption]
InstagramKneecap member JJ O Dochartaigh in a ‘We Are All Palestine Action’ t-shirt ahead of the band’s Glastonbury performance[/caption]
The band has subsequently been dropped by reps United Talent Agency after a flurry of talks between bosses.
Glastonbury Festival organisers said they were “appalled” and said it “crossed the line”.
In response, the BBC put out a grovelling statement saying it “should have pulled” the stream of Bob Vylan’s controversial performance.
The broadcaster said the set contained “utterly unacceptable” and “anti-Semitic sentiments” – but still failed to apologise for choosing not to cut the feed.
The Beeb’s statement said: “Millions of people tuned in to enjoy Glastonbury this weekend across the BBC’s output but one performance within our live streams included comments that were deeply offensive.
“The BBC respects freedom of expression but stands firmly against incitement to violence.
“The anti-Semitic sentiments expressed by Bob Vylan were utterly unacceptable and have no place on our airwaves.
“We welcome Glastonbury’s condemnation of the performance.
“The performance was part of a live stream of the West Holts stage on BBC iPlayer.
“The judgement on Saturday to issue a warning on screen while streaming online was in line with our editorial guidelines.
“In addition, we took the decision not to make the performance available on demand.
PM Keir Starmer criticised plans to allow Kneecap to perform ahead of the festivalAFP
Shutterstock EditorialHuge crowds were drawn for the Irish trio’s performance[/caption]
Shutterstock EditorialGlastonbury Festival organisers said they were ‘appalled’ by Bob Vylan’s set[/caption]
“The team were dealing with a live situation but with hindsight we should have pulled the stream during the performance. We regret this did not happen.
“In light of this weekend, we will look at our guidance around live events so we can be sure teams are clear on when it is acceptable to keep output on air.”
The live stream of the punk rap act’s set ran for another 40 minutes despite the offensive slurs against Israel during the incident on Saturday afternoon.
Critics last night demanded BBC chiefs be sacked for broadcasting the jibes which descended into a “sickening hate rally”.
Corporation bosses have been ordered to explain why licence fee cash was spent on the shameful outburst to viewers watching at home on the BBC iPlayer.
The pro-Palestine duo Bob Vylan also declared “from the river to the sea Palestine…will be free” – a slogan seen by many in the Jewish community as calling for Israel’s elimination.
BBC bosses had already said that Kneecap’s performance wouldn’t be shown live on Saturday afternoon but act Bob Vylan – on stage before them – caught them unawares.
However, a warning was displayed on screen and the footage was later removed from the iPlayer.
Prior to the BBC‘s statement, broadcast regulator Ofcom, which is conducting its own probe, said it was “very concerned” by the performance, adding: “The BBC clearly has questions to answer.”
Shadow home secretary Chris Philp called for the rapper to be “arrested and prosecuted immediately”.
He labelled it an example of a two-tier justice system.
Mr Philp demanded the rapper be treated in a similar fashion to Lucy Connolly, the Tory councillor’s wife who was jailed for tweets in the aftermath of the Southport murders last summer – and still remains behind bars.
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