British police have launched an investigation into comments made during Glastonbury performances by UK punk duo Bob Vylan and Irish rap group Kneecap.
During his Saturday set, Bob Vylan frontman Bobby Vylan shouted “Death to the Israeli army,” sparking major controversy. The Glastonbury organisers expressed they were “shocked,” and Avon and Somerset Police have now assigned a detective to determine whether any criminal offences occurred.
The BBC has admitted regret over not cutting the livestream of Bob Vylan’s set. “In hindsight, we should have stopped the stream,” the broadcaster stated in a public release.
Earlier the same day, Kneecap’s performance was not streamed live, due to the group publicly showing support for a recently banned pro-Palestinian activist organisation. Bobby Vylan has since doubled down on his words, writing on Instagram: “I said what I wanted to say.”
Denied Entry to the US
In response, the U.S. State Department revoked Bob Vylan’s visa on Monday, cancelling their scheduled October–November tour. The duo is now barred from entering the United States.
Despite this, a performance at Paradiso Amsterdam, is still scheduled for 12 September.