UK rap duo Bob Vylan announced today they are suing BBC for defamation after the broadcaster refused to make their Glastonbury set viewable on-demand. This action came in response to the duo inciting a "Death to the IDF" chant in protest of Israel's war crimes in Gaza.
In addition to BBC's condemnation of the chant, which they called "deeply offensive," the duo were dropped from several festival lineups and their slot opening for Gogol Bordello on tour.
In a statement posted on their social media accounts earlier today, the duo explained they are suing BBC for "placing labels upon us that did not, do not and never will fit."
The full statement reads as follows:
"We have decided to take legal action against the BBC. In the immediate aftermath of our performance at Glastonbury 2025, The BBC wasted no time in placing labels upon us that did not, do not and never will fit.
As a corporation that receives the majority of its funding from the public, it has disappointingly continued to prove how little it represents the interests of the people and our access to unbiased news and information.
The BBC have attempted to silence those that oppose the heinous crimes taking place in Palestine, instead labelling them as anti-semitic, editing their speeches, removing their content and even blocking the release of documentaries that challenge the desired narrative of The BBC and its top brass.
These responses are unacceptable. So seeing the opportunity to remind them the power of the people that they are attempting to silence, we had no choice but to take on this fight. In fact, we take great pleasure in serving them that reminder in court.
Free Palestine and Justice for the Filton 25."
*for context, The Filton 25 are a UK activist group who are awaiting trial for their actions in protest of Israel's military campaign in Palestine.
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