BBC admits it should have pulled stream of ‘death to IDF’ Glasto chant, calls it ‘utterly unacceptable & antisemitic’

The BBC has come under intense scrutiny after broadcasting a controversial performance by punk-rap duo Bob Vylan at this years Glastonbury Festival, during which anti-Israel chants were aired live.  In a statement issued following widespread criticism, the broadcaster admitted it "should have pulled" the live stream and described the comments made during the set as utterly unacceptable and containing anti-Semitic sentiments. The live stream, which continued for around 40 minutes after the remarks were made, included the chant death to the IDF and the phrase from the river to the sea Palestinewill be free, a slogan widely regarded within the Jewish community as a call for the elimination of Israel. Although a content warning was eventually displayed, the BBC did not immediately cut the feed, later removing the footage from iPlayer. We regret this did not happen, the BBC said. The anti-Semitic sentiments expressed by Bob Vylan were utterly unacceptable and have no place on our airwaves With hindsight we should have pulled the stream during the performance. The incident prompted condemnation from across the political spectrum. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: There is no excuse for this kind of appalling hate speech, while Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp called for the rappers arrest and prosecution, suggesting unequal application of the law. It seems very clear that this man was directly inciting violence, Mr Philp said. He should receive the same treatment under the law as others, such as Lucy Connolly. Connolly, the wife of a Tory councillor, is currently serving a 31-month prison sentence for online comments made after a 2023 triple murder in Southport. Critics argue the stark contrast in outcomes demonstrates a "two-tier justice system." Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has demanded an urgent explanation from BBC Director-General Tim Davie. Former BBC executive Danny Cohen urged Ofcom to step in, calling for an internal investigation led by BBC Chairman Samir Shah. Lord Austin described the broadcast as a sickening hate rally and said: They send hundreds of BBC staff to cover Glastonbury, but no one did anything to stop this easily foreseeable incident being broadcast?  Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel questioned whether the BBC should still hold the title of national broadcaster. Glastonbury and the BBC are inciting murder and terrorist violence against Jewish people, she said. This display of invective and hatred has highlighted again the BBCs editorial failings on antisemitism and anti-Israel bias. Ofcom confirmed it is "very concerned" about the incident and is conducting its own probe. The BBC clearly has questions to answer, a spokesperson said. BBC representatives maintained that the live coverage reflected events as they unfolded. Some of the comments made during Bob Vylans set were deeply offensive, the broadcaster said. A warning was issued on screen about the very strong and discriminatory language. We have no plans to make the performance available on demand. While festival organisers released a statement reaffirming their stance against antisemitism and hate speech, former Cabinet Minister Lord Hain offered a more lenient view. I don't think we should fret too much about this, he said. People are saying things that we don't agree with, but that's music, its said and its gone amidst a few loud drum beats. Public figures, including barrister and broadcaster Rob Rinder, argued that activism must not come at the expense of others safety. You can stand for Palestinian rights without denying Jewish ones, he said. If your activism leaves no room for someone elses safety, grief or history its not activism. Its hate. Parliaments Culture Select Committee is expected to summon BBC officials for questioning, with Chair Caroline Dinenage citing serious concerns about editorial decision-making and live broadcast controls. Meanwhile, Avon and Somerset Police have confirmed they are assessing video footage to determine whether any offences may have been committed. The post BBC admits it should have pulled stream of death to IDF Glasto chant, calls it utterly unacceptable & antisemitic appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.