Bob Vylan: Glastonbury duo’s ‘dying to IDF’ chant referred to as ‘hate speech’ by Starmer

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British police are reviewing video footage of rap punk duo Bob Vylan’s Glastonbury set after one of many artists led chants slammed by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer as “appalling hate speech.”

Rapper Bobby Vylan took to the competition’s third-biggest West Holts Stage on Saturday shouting “Free, free Palestine,” earlier than main crowds to chants towards the Israeli army.

Video confirmed the rapper shouting into the mic, “Alright, however have you ever heard this one although? Demise, dying to the IDF (Israel Protection Forces).”

The artist additionally carried out in entrance of a display that displayed a message which learn: “United Nations have referred to as it a genocide. The BBC calls it a ‘battle,’” referring to the UK’s public broadcaster that has been displaying the competition reside.

Starmer stated that “there isn't any excuse for this type of appalling hate speech.”

The Israeli Embassy within the UK stated it was “deeply disturbed” by what it referred to as “inflammatory and hateful” rhetoric on the competition.

It stated that when chants equivalent to “Demise to the IDF” are stated in entrance of tens of hundreds of festivalgoers, “it raises critical considerations in regards to the normalisation of extremist language and the glorification of violence.”

“We name on Glastonbury Competition organisers, artists, and public leaders within the UK to denounce this rhetoric and reject of all types of hatred,” it added.

Glastonbury Competition stated in a press release that it was “appalled” by Vylan’s remarks.

“Their chants very a lot crossed a line and we're urgently reminding everybody concerned within the manufacturing of the competition that there isn't any place at Glastonbury for antisemitism, hate speech or incitement to violence,” organizers stated.

A BBC spokesperson advised CNN Sunday that a number of the feedback made throughout Vylan’s efficiency have been “deeply offensive.” The broadcaster streamed the rapper’s set reside however stated it had no plans to make the efficiency accessible on demand via its iPlayer streaming platform.

On Monday, the BBC admitted that “with hindsight” Vylan’s efficiency ought to have been pulled from air throughout the efficiency, saying that the company “respects freedom of expression however stands firmly towards incitement to violence.”

“The antisemitic sentiments expressed by Bob Vylan have been totally unacceptable and don't have any place on our airwaves,” it added.

CNN has contacted Vylan for remark.

Police are additionally reviewing video footage of a efficiency by Irish-language hip-hop trio Kneecap, who carried out on the identical stage Saturday afternoon. After the efficiency, Starmer repeated his assertion that the group mustn't have been allowed to carry out on the competition.

“I stated that Kneecap shouldn't be given a platform and that goes for every other performers making threats or inciting violence,” Starmer stated in a press release.

Forward of the five-day music competition, all eyes have been on Kneecap after band member Liam O’Hanna – who performs underneath the stage title Mo Chara – was charged final month with a terrorism offense following an investigation by London’s Metropolitan Police.

The cost, which he has denied, pertains to a London gig in November 2024 the place he allegedly displayed a flag of Hezbollah – a proscribed terrorist group banned underneath UK legislation. Forward of the competition at Worthy Farm, Starmer stated it was not “applicable” for the group to carry out.

Kneecap have been vocal critics of Israel’s battle in Gaza however have beforehand stated it has by no means supported Hamas or Hezbollah.

In the course of the set, Chara advised the crowds that current occasions had been “tense” however that it was nothing compared to “what the Palestinian individuals are going via.”

Kneecap rapper Naoise Ó Cairealláin, who goes by the stage title Móglaí Bap, hit again at Starmer’s remark throughout Saturday’s set: “The Prime Minister of your nation, not mine, stated he didn’t need us to play, so f**okay Keir Starmer.”

In reference to his bandmate’s forthcoming courtroom date, Bap additionally stated they'd “begin a riot exterior the courts,” earlier than including: “I don’t need anyone to start out a riot. No riots simply love and help, and extra importantly help for Palestine.”

Police in Somerset, the place the competition is held, stated the drive was “conscious of the feedback made by acts” and that “video proof can be assessed by officers to find out whether or not any offences could have been dedicated that might require a felony investigation.”

UK Well being Secretary Wes Streeting slammed Vylan’s efficiency as “appalling” in an interview with Sky Information on Sunday morning, including that the BBC and Glastonbury “have gotten inquiries to reply.”

However he additionally advised the Israeli embassy to “get your personal home so as when it comes to the conduct of your personal residents and the settlers within the West Financial institution,” as settler violence towards Palestinians surged within the occupied territory over the last week .