UK Police Investigate Bob Vylan Over 'Death to IDF' Chants at Multiple Concerts

The punk duo Bob Vylan is under investigation by multiple UK police forces for chanting "death to the IDF" during performances, including a livestreamed set at Glastonbury Festival and a concert at Alexandra Palace. The Metropolitan Police confirmed they are examining footage from the May concert, while Avon and Somerset Police are conducting a criminal investigation into the Glastonbury performance, considering hate crime legislation. The BBC faced criticism and apologized for not cutting the live stream promptly after the chants, with regulator Ofcom expressing serious concerns. Following the controversy, Bob Vylan was dropped by their talent agency, had their US visas revoked, and were removed from several festival lineups. The band denies being antisemitic, stating they oppose the Israeli military's actions rather than any ethnic group, and claim they are being targeted for speaking out about Palestine. Politicians including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the chants as hate speech, while Israeli officials criticized the BBC's handling of the broadcast.