Bob Vylan has reportedly been dropped from United Talent Agency after a controversial performance at Glastonbury Festival this past Saturday (June 28) where the band led the crowd in chants condemning the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). Additionally, the US State Department has revoked visas for all members of the band, who planned to tour the United States in October.
During the British punk duo’s livestreamed afternoon set on West Holts Stage, frontman Bobby Vylan led the crowd in chanting "Free Free Palestine, Free Free Palestine, Free Free Palestine" followed by "Death Death to the IDF, Death Death to the IDF."
The performance was streamed on BBC iPlayer, but has since been removed. Critical of the performance, the BBC has stated:
"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…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."
Organizers at Glastonbury have also condemned the performance, saying they were “appalled” and that the comments “crossed a line." Meanwhile, Christopher Landau, Deputy Secretary of the US State Department, announced that the US has revoked visas for the band, stating: "Foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors to our country."
The Avon and Somerset Police in the UK have concurrently opened a police investigation into the performances of Bob Vylan, as well as Irish band Kneecap, who performed right after them, to determine if any criminal offenses were committed during their sets. Kneecap’s performance was not streamed live.
Bobby Vylan has since released a statement about the backlash on his Instagram account, where he posted a text image that said: "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."
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