BBC issues Glastonbury live stream update after Bob Vylan controversy

Glastonbury performances deemed to be "high risk" will no longer be broadcast live by the BBC.

The decision was made in the wake of the controversy surrounding Bob Vylan's appearance at the festival.

A new statement has been issued by the corporation, which states the punk rap duo were "deemed suitable for live streaming with appropriate mitigations".

However it now admits this was "clearly not the case".

READ MORE: Oasis Manchester Heaton Park gigs - Fans given full list of banned items

The BBC also issued an apology "in particular to the Jewish community", declaring that there was "no place for antisemitism" on or at the corporation.

"We fully understand the strength of feeling regarding Bob Vylan's live appearance at Glastonbury on the BBC," the statement said.

"We deeply regret that such offensive and deplorable behaviour appeared on the BBC and want to apologise to our viewers and listeners and in particular the Jewish community.

"We are also unequivocal that there can be no place for antisemitism at, or on, the BBC.

"It is clear that errors were made both in the lead-up to and during Bob Vylan's appearance.

"We think it's important to set out some of the detail around the streaming of this performance."

The statement continued: "Bob Vylan were deemed high risk following a risk assessment process applied to all acts appearing at Glastonbury.

"Seven acts including Bob Vylan were included in this category and they were all deemed suitable for live streaming with appropriate mitigations.

"Prior to Glastonbury, a decision was taken that compliance risks could be mitigated in real time on the live stream – through the use of language or content warnings – without the need for a delay. This was clearly not the case.

"During the performance, the live stream was monitored in line with the agreed compliance protocols and a number of issues were escalated.

"Warnings appeared on the stream on two occasions and the editorial team took the decision not to cut the feed. This was an error."

The chair of the BBC, Tim Davie, has also since issued a letter to BBC staff saying that he "deeply regrets that such offensive and deplorable behaviour appeared on the BBC", the Mirror reports.

He said: "Dear all, I wanted to write to you today about Bob Vylan's appearance at Glastonbury.

"I deeply regret that such offensive and deplorable behaviour appeared on the BBC and want to say sorry – to our audience and to all of you, but in particular to Jewish colleagues and the Jewish community.

"We are unequivocal that there can be no place for antisemitism at the BBC. I and everyone need to ensure that the BBC is a role model for inclusivity and tolerance and we all have a part to play.

"We are utterly committed to creating an environment where everyone is supported and can do their very best work."

He directed staff to two statements that had been published by the BBC about the coverage and said: "Please continue to treat each other with respect and kindness."

Bob Vylan also released a statement claiming they are being "targeted for speaking up" after complaints were made about their set.

Following their controversial performance on Saturday, their visas to enter America have been rejected, they've been dropped by their agents and a criminal investigation was launched, looking into footage of their Glastonbury set.

The band said: "Not the first. Not the last. Today, a good many people would have you believe a punk band is the number one threat to world peace.

"Last week, it was a Palestine pressure group, the week before that it was another band."

They continued: "We, like those in the spotlight before us, are not the story. We are a distraction from the story.

"And whichever sanctions we receive will be a distraction. The Government doesn't want us to ask why they remain silent in the face of this atrocity."

Downing Street also issued a statement, which said: "We strongly condemn the threatening comments made by Bob Vylan at Glastonbury.

"The Prime Minister has been clear that any performers making threats or inciting violence should not be given a platform."

The spokesperson later said it was "right" that the BBC had "now acknowledged the live stream should have been pulled and that they will look at guidance around live events going forward".