BBC Faces Glastonbury Coverage Backlash Over Politicized Performances

The BBC has faced significant backlash over its live broadcast of politically charged performances at the Glastonbury Festival, particularly from punk duo Bob Vylan who led chants of "Free, free Palestine" and "Death, death to the IDF," prompting police to review footage. The BBC apologized for airing the "utterly unacceptable" language and later removed the content from its iPlayer service, while festival organizers condemned the incitement of violence as contrary to the event's ethos. Calls have been made by politicians such as former MP Rupert Lowe for the BBC to withdraw from future Glastonbury coverage, arguing that the event has become a platform for dangerous political rhetoric that license fee payers should not have to support. Public opinion polls show strong support for ending taxpayer funding of Glastonbury through the BBC, reflecting concerns about the festival's politicization and the airing of controversial acts. The controversy also extends to performances by Irish rap group Kneecap, who expressed anti-government sentiments and wore politically symbolic apparel, further fueling debate over the appropriateness of public broadcaster involvement in the festival. The BBC has stated that editorial decisions are guided by compliance with guidelines and that content is regularly reviewed, but the incident has reignited wider discussions about the role of public funding in politically charged cultural events.