BBC says Bob Vylan coverage should have been pulled

The BBC has said it "should have pulled" the live stream of Bob Vylan's performance during Glastonbury that contained "utterly unacceptable" and "anti-Semitic sentiments".

The broadcaster is facing questions after rapper Bobby Vylan – of the rap punk duo – led crowds at the festival's West Holts Stage in chants of: "Free, free Palestine" and: "Death, death to the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)" on Saturday. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has also condemned the chants.

UK broadcasting regulator Ofcom has said it is "very concerned" about the BBC live stream of Bob Vylan's Glastonbury performance, adding that the corporation "clearly has questions to answer".

In a statement, the BBC said: "Millions of people tuned in to enjoy Glastonbury this weekend across the BBC's output, but one performance within our live streams included comments that were deeply offensive.

"The BBC respects freedom of expression but stands firmly against incitement to violence.

"The anti-Semitic sentiments expressed by Bob Vylan were utterly unacceptable and have no place on our airwaves. We welcome Glastonbury's condemnation of the performance.

"The performance was part of a live stream of the West Holts stage on BBC iPlayer. The judgement on Saturday to issue a warning on screen while streaming online was in line with our editorial guidelines.

"In addition, we took the decision not to make the performance available on demand. 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.

"In light of this weekend, we will look at our guidance around live events so we can be sure teams are clear on when it is acceptable to keep output on air."

Source: Press Association