BBC Removes Senior Staff Over Bob Vylan Performance at Glastonbury
London (Quds News Network)- The BBC has removed several senior staff members following a performance by the British punk duo Bob Vylan, who chanted “Death to the IDF” and “Free Palestine” during their set at the Glastonbury Festival last Saturday, reported Haaretz.
The performance aired live on the BBC’s iPlayer, sparking attacks and accusations of antisemitism by Israel. In response, the BBC’s leadership issued a statement declaring: “There is no place for antisemitism,” and confirmed ‘disciplinary action’ against those who aired the show.
The BBC said it had flagged six other Glastonbury performances as “high-risk” due to their anti-genocide content. As a result, the broadcaster announced immediate changes to its streaming policy. From now on, high-risk performances will no longer be broadcast live.
The censorship quickly spread beyond the UK. US authorities revoked the visas of Bob Vylan’s members. Meanwhile, British police launched an investigation into the band for what they described as a “public disturbance.”
UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy criticized the BBC in Parliament. She said the broadcaster could have stopped the broadcast as soon as the group called for “death to the IDF.” The BBC later stated that airing the performance was a mistake.
The Glastonbury appearance by Bob Vylan has reignited debates in the UK over free speech and censorship, protest music, and the responsibility of public broadcasters during wartime.
