BBC issued warning by Ofcom over Bob Vylan Glastonbury set as they demand answers

Ofcom has warned that the BBC has "questions to answer" after airing Bob Vylan's controversial Glastonbury performance on BBC iPlayer.

The broadcasting regulator said that it was "very concerned" over the scenes that aired on Saturday, which showed artist Bobby Vylan leading a crowd to chants of "Free, free Palestine" and "Death to the IDF".

An Ofcom spokesperson said: “We are very concerned about the live stream of this performance, and the BBC clearly has questions to answer. We have been speaking to the BBC over the weekend and we are obtaining further information as a matter of urgency, including what procedures were in place to ensure compliance with its own editorial guidelines.”

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The BBC also said this morning that it regrets not pulling the live stream of Bob Vylan’s performance and said the group’s comments were “antisemitic” and “utterly unacceptable”.

The corporation said in a statement: “Millions of people tuned in to enjoy Glastonbury this weekend across the BBC’s output but one performance within our live streams included comments that were deeply offensive.

“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. We welcome Glastonbury’s condemnation of the performance.

“The performance was part of a live stream of the West Holts stage on BBC iPlayer. The judgement on Saturday to issue a warning on screen while streaming online was in line with our editorial guidelines.

“In addition, we took the decision not to make the performance available on demand. The team were dealing with a live situation but with hindsight we should have pulled the stream during the performance. We regret this did not happen.

“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.”

It comes after Glastonbury organisers said yesterday that they were "appalled" over the actions of the rap punk duo, declaring that it had "crossed a line".

Shared by Emily Eavis, the statement read: "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."

Meanwhile, Health Secretary Wes Streeting branded Bob Vylan's Glastonbury chants "pretty revolting", while Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has demanded BBC bosses "explain" how a punk duo calling for the death of Israeli soldiers was broadcast from Glastonbury.

Police are examining videos of comments made by multiple acts over the weekend at Glastonbury festival.

Bobby Vylan, of Bob Vylan, broke his silence on Sunday evening to defiantly say: "I said what I said." And he shared a lengthy statement to follow up.

He wrote: "As I lay in bed this morning, my phone buzzing non stop, inundated with messages of both support and hatred, I listen to my daughter typing out loud as she fills out a school survey asking for her feedback on the current state of school dinners.

"She expressed that she would like healthier meals, more options and dishes inspired by other parts of the world. Listening to her voice her opinions on a matter that she cares about and affects her daily, reminds me that we may not be doomed after all."

He added: "Teaching our children to speak up for the change they want and need is the only way that we make this world a better place.

"As we grow older and our fire possibly starts to dim under the suffocation of adult life and all its responsibilities, it is incredibly important that we encourage and inspire future generations to pick up the torch that was passed to us."

He carried on to tell people it is vital to "display to them loudly and visibly the right thing". The musician added: "Let them see us marching in the streets, campaigning on ground level, organising online and shouting about it on any and every stage that we are offered."

And he concluded: "Today is a change in school dinners, tomorrow it is a change in foreign policy."

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