BBC Removes Bob Vylan Glastonbury Set After Offensive Anti-IDF Chants

Bob Vylan's performance at Glastonbury sparked widespread controversy after the rapper led chants of "Free Palestine" and "Death to the IDF," which were broadcast live on the BBC iPlayer without edits or bleeps. The BBC described the language as "deeply offensive" and has since decided not to make the performance available on demand, while police are reviewing footage to determine if any offences were committed. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy condemned the comments and demanded an urgent explanation from the BBC director-general regarding the editorial checks before the broadcast. The incident also involved the Irish rap group Kneecap, whose politically charged set is under police investigation, with band members making provocative remarks on stage. The broadcast ignited backlash from government officials, the Israeli embassy, and members of the public, who viewed the chants as incitement and hate speech, calling for legal action against the performers. The BBC faced criticism for continuing the live stream despite the inflammatory content, leading to a political and media crisis over the balance between free expression and hate speech.