UK police reviewing rapper's anti-Israel comments at Glastonbury Festival
Share this @internewscast.com

British police say they are examining videos of a band that led chants of “death to the IDF” — Israel Defence Forces — at Glastonbury Festival.

During the festival, rapper Bobby Vylan, a member of the rap punk duo Bob Vylan, led the audience in chants of “free, free Palestine” and “death, death to the IDF” on Saturday.

Avon and Somerset Police stated that they would review video footage to “ascertain whether any offenses were committed that would necessitate a criminal investigation”.

Bob Vylan performs on the West Holts Stage, during the Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm in Somerset. England, Saturday, June 28, 2025. (Yui Mok/PA via AP)

The Israeli Embassy in the UK expressed on social media that it was “deeply disturbed by the inflammatory and hateful rhetoric presented on stage at the Glastonbury Festival”.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting on Sunday condemned the band’s actions as “appalling”.

He told Sky News that the BBC and festival organisers had to answer questions about how the comments were broadcast live to millions.

However, he also urged Israel to “take the violence of their own citizens towards Palestinians more seriously” when asked about the Israeli embassy’s condemnation of the band’s actions.

The minister referred to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and “the fact that Israeli settler terrorists attacked a Christian village this week, setting it on fire”, and urged Israel to “get your own house in order”.

The government said its culture secretary spoke to the BBC director general about Bob Vylan’s performance.

The government said its culture secretary spoke to the BBC director general about Bob Vylan’s performance. (Yui Mok/PA via AP)

The BBC said it issued a warning on screen about “very strong and discriminatory language” during the live stream.

Glastonbury is Britain’s biggest summer music festival and draws some 200,000 music fans each year to Worthy Farm in southwest England. Almost 4000 acts perform on 120 stages.

Festival organisers said on Instagram that Vylan’s chants “very much crossed a line”.

“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,” they said.

The BBC said it issued a warning on screen about “very strong and discriminatory language” during the live stream. (Yui Mok/PA via AP)

“With almost 4000 performances at Glastonbury 2025, there will inevitably be artists and speakers appearing on our stages whose views we do not share, and a performer’s presence here should never be seen as a tacit endorsement of their opinions and beliefs.”

Saturday’s festival lineup also included Irish-language rap group Kneecap, which gave an impassioned performance for tens of thousands of fans despite criticism by British politicians and a terror charge for one of the trio.

Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, has been charged under the Terrorism Act with supporting a proscribed organisation for allegedly waving a Hezbollah flag at a concert in London in November.

The rapper, who was charged under the anglicised version of his name, Liam O’Hanna, is on unconditional bail before a further court hearing in August.

Naoise O Caireallain, left, and Liam Og of the hip hop trio Kneecap perform during the Glastonbury Festival in Worthy Farm, Somerset, England, Saturday, June 28, 2025. (Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

The group has faced criticism for lyrics laden with expletives and drug references, and for political statements, especially since videos emerged allegedly showing the band shouting “up Hamas, up Hezbollah” and calling on people to kill lawmakers.

On Saturday, band members led the audience in chants of “Free Palestine” and “Free Mo Chara”.

They also aimed an expletive-laden chant at UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has said he didn’t think it was “appropriate” for Kneecap to play Glastonbury.

Rod Stewart, Olivia Rodrigo and The Prodigy are among acts playing Sunday for Glastonbury’s final day.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Ollie Law, 35, travels the world with his wife, Hannah, running a crisis management program called Fixinc

Crisis Response Expert Reveals the Most Common, Fatal Mistake in Emergency Situations

Being prepared and acting swiftly during a crisis can be life-saving. Conversely,…

Ex-Socceroos Coach Graham Arnold Receives Hero’s Welcome from Fans at Airport

In Brief Iraq has ended a 40-year wait for World Cup qualification…

Hidden Challenges Facing the Artemis II Crew: What You Need to Know

Brief The Artemis II crew trained for almost three years for their…
Trump's deadline for Iran expires in hours. What happens next?

Countdown to Deadline: What’s Next for Iran as Trump’s Decision Looms?

Donald Trump’s declared final deadline for Iran to re-open the Strait of…
David Crisafulli said his state is sitting on an ocean of "liquid".

Premier Unveils Bold Plan to Tackle Fuel Crisis Amid ‘Liquid Gold’ Shortage

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has urged the federal government to fast-track expansion…
Former prime minister John Howard speaks to members of the media about the Bondi terror attack during a press conference in Sydney. Monday 16th December, 2025.

Emotional Impact: Ex-PM Comments on Roberts-Smith Arrest Resonating with Millions

Former Prime Minister John Howard has expressed that the recent charges against…

Trump Initiates Mutual Ceasefire: A New Path to Peace?

By Richard WoodApril 7, 2026, 11:00 PM Just 88 minutes before the…
Trump warns a 'whole civilisation will die tonight' if a deal with Iran isn't reached

Urgent Call from Trump: Civilization at Risk Without Immediate Iran Deal

Iranian officials have urged young people to form human chains to protect…
Childcare crash Alexandra Hills

Vehicle Collides with Childcare Center East of Brisbane

In a startling incident east of Brisbane, a vehicle burst through the…
Twin cyclones forming off the Australian coast

Twin Cyclones Develop Along Australian Coastline

Two cyclones forming over waters near Australia could bring heavy rain and…

Trump Declares Ceasefire Agreement While Iran Commits to Two-Week Strait of Hormuz Access

IN BRIEF Trump announces two-week ceasefire with Iran after threats over Hormuz;…

Australian War Hero Ben Roberts-Smith Detained: Faces Serious War Crimes Charges

Ben Roberts-Smith to remain in custody while charged with war crimes Ben…