The BBC has addressed the controversy surrounding Bob Vylan‘s Glastonbury set after the punk-rap duo’s performance on Saturday (June 28) sparked a polarizing response and an official criminal investigation.

Full details below…

In a statement issued Monday, the broadcaster said it “should have pulled” the livestream during the duo’s politically charged set, which included chants of:

“Death to the IDF..

free, free Palestine”

While the BBC cited the challenges of managing a live broadcast, they said in a statement:

“The BBC respects freedom of expression but stands firmly against incitement to violence. The antisemitic sentiments expressed by Bob Vylan were utterly unacceptable and have no place on our airwaves. In light of this weekend, we will look at our guidance around live events so we can be sure teams are clear on when it is acceptable to keep output on air.”

Avon and Somerset Police confirmed that a criminal investigation is now underway, currently recorded as a public order incident, while further inquiries continue.

Glastonbury organizers issued a statement saying:

“Their chants very much crossed a line and we are urgently reminding everyone involved in the production of the festival that there is no place at Glastonbury for antisemitism, hate speech or incitement to violence.”

Vylan took to Instagram to issue a statement, saying:

“It is incredibly important that we encourage and inspire future generations to pick up the torch that was passed to us. Let us display to them loudly and visibly the right thing to do when we want and need change. Let them see us marching in the streets, campaigning on ground level, organizing online, and shouting about it on any and every stage that we are offered.”

Meanwhile, Vylan’s U.S. visas have been revoked, halting their planned fall tour. UTA, their talent agency, has also reportedly severed ties with the group, as reported by Deadline.

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