BBC announces review after Glastonbury coverage outrage as Ofcom demands ‘answers’ from broadcaster
The BBC has released a statement after facing backlash for its decision to live stream Bob Vylan’s Glastonbury set on Saturday, following mounting criticism and a demand for answers from Ofcom.
The BBC had been facing intense criticism after broadcasting the punk duo’s Glastonbury performance on Saturday, during which singer Bobby Vylan led crowds in chanting “death, death to the IDF” at the West Holts Stage.
The controversial performance, which was live-streamed on iPlayer, also featured chants of “from the river to the sea” – a phrase considered by some to be calling for the annihilation of the Jewish state.
In a statement, the broadcaster said: “Millions of people tuned in to enjoy Glastonbury this weekend across the BBC’s output but one performance within our livestreams included comments that were deeply offensive.
“The BBC respects freedom of expression but stands firmly against incitement to violence. The antisemitic 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 judgment 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. 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.”
This comes as Ofcom also released a statement addressing the BBC’s live coverage of the set.
A spokesman said: “We are very concerned about the live stream of this performance, and the BBC clearly has questions to answer. We have been speaking to the BBC over the weekend and we are obtaining further information as a matter of urgency, including what procedures were in place to ensure compliance with its own editorial guidelines.”
This follows UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy also demanding an “urgent explanation” from BBC Director-General Tim Davie over the decision to stream the set.
A Government spokesperson said: “We strongly condemn the threatening comments made by Bob Vylan at Glastonbury. The Culture Secretary has spoken to the BBC Director General to seek an urgent explanation about what due diligence it carried out ahead of the Bob Vylan performance, and welcomes the decision not to re-broadcast it on BBC iPlayer.”
Avon and Somerset Police also confirmed they are assessing video evidence “to determine whether any offences may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation”.
Addittionally, Glastonbury also released a statement condemning the performance, writing “there is no place at Glastonbury for antisemitism, hate speech or incitement to violence.”
They added: “As a festival, we stand against all forms of war and terrorism. We will always believe in – and actively campaign for – hope, unity, peace and love”.
Meanwhile, Bob Vylan released their own statement on Sunday night, with an Instagram post reading: “As I lay in bed this morning, my phone buzzing non-stop, inundated with messages of both support and hatred, I listen to my daughter typing out loud as she fills out a school survey asking for her feedback on the current state of her school dinners.
“She expressed that she would like healthier meals, more options and dishes inspired by other parts of the world.Listening to her voice her opinions on a matter that she cares about and affects her daily, reminds me that we may not be doomed after all.
“Teaching our children to speak up for the change they want and need is the only way that we make this world a better place.
“As we grow older and our fire possibly starts to dim under the suffocation of adult life and all its responsibilities, it is incredibly important that we encourage and inspire future generations to pick up the torch that was passed to us.
“Let us display to them loudly and visibly the right thing to do when we want and need change. Let them see us marching in the streets, campaigning on ground level, organising online and shouting about it on any and every stage that we are offered.
“Today it is a change in school dinners, tomorrow it is a change in foreign policy.”