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
Jim Chalmers press conference interrupted by 'scared' woman

“Fearful Woman Interrupts Treasurer’s Press Conference with Urgent Plea”

A local resident interrupted Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ press conference in Queensland to…
A newly installed flag pole stands on the South Lawn of the White House, Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

U.S. Government Shuts Down Following Congressional Stalemate

The US government has entered a shutdown for the first time in…
Cars in traffic during dusk, showcasing headlights and city lights, with a blurred background reflecting urban life

The Headlight Mistake That Might Cost You $1,000

In 2025, many Australians will unknowingly drive with their high beams on,…

Anthony Albanese ‘worried’ about China’s potential ban on BHP iron ore

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is “concerned” by reports that China might temporarily…
Mother left red-faced after ordering a personalised T-shirt online... only for it to come with a very awkward mistake

Mom Embarrassed After Online Order for Custom T-Shirt Arrives with Hilarious Error

A mother was been left red-faced after a ordering a personalised T-shirt…

Massive Class Action Alleges Racial Discrimination in Work for the Dole Program, Potentially Involving 20,000 Participants

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who took part in a controversial…
Abubakir Rafiq

Australian Activists on Gaza Flotilla Discuss Their Last Steps Towards Destination

Activists on board a flotilla of vessels heading towards Gaza assert they…
A group of Western Australian sea kayakers have come face-to-face with a five metre great white shark for the second time in four days.

“Surprise, Again: WA Kayakers Escape Close Call with Massive Great White Shark”

A group of Western Australian sea kayakers has come face-to-face with a…

Lawyer states Erin Patterson to contest murder convictions linked to fatal mushroom lunch

Patterson’s attorneys have a period of 28 days to file the necessary…

Is Your Sunscreen Safe? Key Insights Amid Australia’s SPF Ratings Controversy

Australia is currently facing a sunscreen dilemma, as the Therapeutic Goods Administration…
Commonwealth Bank customers have been left unable to check their balances.

Commonwealth Bank Suffers Significant Disruption as Online Banking Services Crash

Commonwealth Bank is experiencing a significant outage, leaving some customers unable to…
Oktoberfest closed after bomb threat and deadly explosion

Oktoberfest Shuts Down Due to Bomb Threat After Fatal Explosion

German police have closed the Oktoberfest fairground following a bomb threat from…