The BBC has faced backlash following the performance of Bob Vylan at Glastonbury, where the duo expressed controversial views. This article explores the implications of their high-risk classification and the subsequent apologies issued by the BBC.
BBC Acknowledges Bob Vylan’s High-Risk Status Before Glastonbury
The BBC has admitted that the controversial punk duo Bob Vylan were classified as “high risk” prior to their performance at Glastonbury over the weekend. The board has expressed its support for Director General Tim Davie and the swift actions he took on the day.
Apologies to the Jewish Community
BBC Chair Samir Shah and Davie have issued apologies to “viewers, listeners, and particularly the Jewish community” regarding the incident.
Live Streaming Decisions
In a statement concerning Glastonbury, Shah informed both staff and the press that Bob Vylan was one of seven acts “deemed suitable for live streaming with appropriate mitigations,” despite being categorized as “high risk.”
“Before Glastonbury, it was decided that compliance risks could be managed in real time during the live stream—through language or content warnings—without requiring a delay,” the BBC stated. “Clearly, this was not the case.”
Future Protocols for High-Risk Performances
Moving forward, any performance classified as high risk will not be broadcast live or streamed, as per the BBC’s announcement. Editorial policy support will be available on-site at major music festivals and events.
The BBC reiterated its regret for not cutting the live stream of Bob Vylan, stating that “warnings appeared on the stream on two occasions, and the editorial team decided not to cut the feed.” The team prioritized preventing the performance from being available on demand. During their set, the punk duo chanted “death to the IDF” and criticized working for a “f***ing Zionist.” They are currently under police investigation, have been dropped by UTA, and had their U.S. visas revoked.
Leadership Challenges and Support for Davie
Today’s acknowledgment that Bob Vylan had been flagged as “high risk” is likely to raise further questions for Davie and his team. Following Glastonbury, it was revealed that Davie was present during Bob Vylan’s performance and made the decision to remove it from iPlayer.
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Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy stated that the BBC faces a “problem of leadership” in the aftermath of Glastonbury, but today Shah and the board expressed their full support for Davie.
Shah mentioned that the board met on Tuesday to review the actions being implemented and that the executive has agreed to strengthen editorial practices and policies for live music programming.
“The Board fully supports the Director-General and the swift actions taken by him and his team to identify and address these errors,” Shah stated.
He also apologized to “all our viewers and listeners, and particularly the Jewish community for allowing the ‘artist’ Bob Vylan to express unconscionable antisemitic views live on the BBC.”
This week, Davie offered to meet with Jewish staff, many of whom have expressed outrage over the incident. He is also awaiting the report regarding the controversial Gaza: How to Survive a Warzone documentary as pressure mounts.
In his note to staff, Davie apologized for “offensive and deplorable behavior appearing on the BBC.”
“I want to say sorry—to our audience and to all of you, but particularly to Jewish colleagues and the Jewish community,” Davie said. “We are unequivocal that there can be no place for antisemitism at the BBC. Everyone must ensure that the BBC serves as a role model for inclusivity and tolerance, and we all have a part to play. We are committed to creating an environment where everyone is supported and can do their best work. Please continue to treat each other with respect and kindness.
