Glastonbury Acts Spark Outrage Over Anti-IDF Chants And Political Statements; Police Launch Investigation

 

British police are reviewing video footage from this year’s Glastonbury Festival after performances by music groups Bob Vylan and Kneecap drew intense backlash, including accusations of hate speech and incitement to violence.

During a Saturday performance on the West Holts Stage, rapper Bobby Vylan of the rap-punk duo Bob Vylan led chants including “Free, free Palestine,” before shouting “Death, death to the IDF,” referencing Israel’s military forces. The artist performed in front of a screen displaying the message: “United Nations have called it a genocide. The BBC calls it a ‘conflict,’” in criticism of the broadcaster's language.

The remarks were widely condemned by UK leaders and organizations. Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the chants “appalling hate speech,” while the Israeli Embassy in London said it was “deeply disturbed” by what it labeled as “inflammatory and hateful” rhetoric.

“This raises serious concerns about the normalisation of extremist language and the glorification of violence,” the embassy said, urging festival organizers and public leaders to denounce the statements.

In response, Glastonbury Festival issued a statement calling the remarks “appalling” and reaffirmed its stance against antisemitism, hate speech, and incitement to violence. Organizers said they were “urgently reminding everyone involved” of the festival’s code of conduct.

The BBC, which had streamed Bob Vylan’s set live, said the artist’s comments were “deeply offensive” and confirmed the performance would not be available on demand. In a follow-up statement, the broadcaster admitted that “with hindsight” the performance should have been pulled from the air, calling the antisemitic content “utterly unacceptable.”

Police in Somerset confirmed they are assessing video footage to determine whether any criminal offences were committed during the festival.

Kneecap Also Under Scrutiny

Police are also examining the performance of Irish-language hip-hop trio Kneecap, who took to the same stage hours earlier. The group has been the subject of political controversy ahead of the festival, particularly after member Liam O’Hanna (aka Mo Chara) was charged with a terrorism-related offence for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag at a 2024 gig in London.

Prime Minister Starmer had publicly stated that Kneecap should not be allowed to perform at Glastonbury. During their set, band member Móglaí Bap responded to the criticism, saying: “The Prime Minister of your country, not mine, said he didn’t want us to play, so f**k Keir Starmer.”

While also referencing Chara’s upcoming court appearance, Bap said the band would “start a riot outside the courts,” before quickly clarifying: “I don’t want anybody to start a riot. No riots, just love and support, and more importantly support for Palestine.”

Kneecap has previously voiced criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza but denies any support for proscribed groups such as Hamas or Hezbollah.

Government and Public Reactions

Health Secretary Wes Streeting called Bob Vylan’s remarks “appalling” and said both the BBC and Glastonbury had “questions to answer.” However, he also addressed the Israeli government directly, saying: “Get your own house in order in terms of the conduct of your own citizens and the settlers in the West Bank,” referencing a rise in settler violence against Palestinians in the occupied territory.

Somerset police have not yet confirmed whether charges will be brought, but stated that officers are actively reviewing video evidence to determine if further investigation is warranted.

As the fallout continues, both festival organizers and national broadcasters are facing growing calls for stronger oversight and clearer boundaries around political expression on public platforms.