The BBC has issued an apology in full over Bob Vylan’s performance at Glastonbury after the punk rap duo led a crowd in chants of ‘death to the IDF’ during their set
The BBC has announced it will cease to broadcast live performances considered “high risk” following controversy surrounding punk rap duo Bob Vylan’s performance at Glastonbury. It follows the company admitting they regret not pulling the performance off air. In a statement released on Thursday, the corporation apologised for the band’s “deplorable behaviour” after lead singer, Bobby Vylan, reportedly real name Pascal Robinson-Foster, 34, incited crowds to chant “death, death to the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)” during their Saturday afternoon set.
The BBC confessed that it had identified the act as “high risk” prior to Glastonbury but deemed them appropriate for live streaming. The broadcaster admitted this was “clearly not the case”, stating it was altering its procedures around live music events. This means any music performances considered high risk will no longer be broadcast or streamed live.
The statement read: “We deeply regret that such offensive and deplorable behaviour appeared on the BBC and want to apologise to our viewers and listeners and in particular the Jewish community. We are also unequivocal that there can be no place for antisemitism at, or on, the BBC.
“It is clear that errors were made both in the lead-up to and during Bob Vylan’s appearance. We think it’s important to set out some of the detail around the streaming of this performance.”
The BBC released a statement explaining: “Bob Vylan were deemed high risk following a risk assessment process applied to all acts appearing at Glastonbury. Seven acts including Bob Vylan were included in this category and they were all deemed suitable for live streaming with appropriate mitigations.”
However, the broadcaster acknowledged that this approach had failed, stating: “Prior to Glastonbury, a decision was taken that compliance risks could be mitigated in real time on the live stream – through the use of language or content warnings – without the need for a delay. This was clearly not the case.”
The BBC added that it was taking steps to address the issue, saying: “Given the failings that have been acknowledged we are taking actions to ensure proper accountability for those found to be responsible for those failings in the live broadcast. We will not comment further on those processes at this time.”
As a result, the broadcaster announced that it would be making changes to its live streaming of music events, stating: “Any music performances deemed high risk will now not be broadcast live or streamed live.”
The BBC also issued an apology to viewers, particularly the Jewish community, and promised to take action to “ensure proper accountability”. Director-general Tim Davie issued a personal apology, urging people to treat each other with “respect and kindness”.
He said: “I deeply regret that such offensive and deplorable behaviour appeared on the BBC and want to say sorry – to our audience and to all of you, but in particular to Jewish colleagues and the Jewish community.”
The BBC has taken a firm stance against antisemitism, with a spokesperson stating: “We are unequivocal that there can be no place for antisemitism at the BBC. I and everyone need to ensure that the BBC is a role model for inclusivity and tolerance and we all have a part to play. We are utterly committed to creating an environment where everyone is supported and can do their very best work.”
The spokesperson added: “Please continue to treat each other with respect and kindness.”
Meanwhile, Avon and Somerset Police have launched an investigation into comments made by rap group Bob Vylan during their set at Glastonbury. It has emerged that the group were already under investigation for comments made at a concert a month prior to Glastonbury.
Footage appears to show the group’s lead singer, Bobby Vylan, telling the crowd at Alexandra Palace: “Death to every single IDF soldier out there as an agent of terror for Israel. Death to the IDF.”
The group has since issued a statement claiming they are being “targeted for speaking up” following the launch of the police investigation.
As a result of the controversy, the group has had their US visas revoked, been pulled from their headline slot at Radar festival in Manchester, and removed from an upcoming performance at a German music venue. However, they are still scheduled to perform at the Boardmasters surfing and music festival in Newquay, Cornwall, in August.
Bob Vylan is known for addressing political issues in their music, including racism, masculinity, and class.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
