UK Police Investigate Glastonbury Bob Vylan Anti-IDF Chants

At the 2025 Glastonbury Festival, the punk duo Bob Vylan incited controversy by leading the crowd in chants of "death to the IDF," prompting condemnation from festival organizers, UK government officials, and the Israeli Embassy. Glastonbury organizer Emily Eavis expressed being "appalled" by the chants, emphasizing that the festival stands against antisemitism, hate speech, and incitement to violence, while also noting that the presence of artists does not imply endorsement of their views. The BBC, which broadcast Bob Vylan's set live before removing it from streaming platforms, faced criticism from Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel and Health Minister Wes Streeting for allowing the performance to air with only a warning. UK police are reviewing video footage of Bob Vylan and Irish rap group Kneecap, who also voiced pro-Palestinian sentiments during their set, to determine if any crimes were committed. The controversy has sparked a broader debate on media responsibility and the boundaries of free speech at public events amid the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. Meanwhile, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has demanded an explanation from the BBC regarding their editorial oversight of the broadcast.