BBC to no longer broadcast certain Glastonbury performances after Bob Vylan controversy

The BBC has said it will no longer broadcast performances deemed “high risk” live after controversy over punk rap duo Bob Vylan’s appearance at Glastonbury.

It comes as the corporation admit they assessed the punk rap duo as “high risk” before their performance at Glastonbury but were “deemed suitable for live streaming with appropriate mitigations”, which they have now said was “clearly not the case”.

In a new statement released on Thursday afternoon, the BBC issued an apology "in particular to the Jewish community", declaring that there is "no place for antisemitism" on or at the BBC. The corporation went on to lay out the errors that were made in the lead up to the decision.

READ MORE: Diogo Jota had to be identified by Liverpool star's wife after devastating car crash

READ MORE: Diogo Jota's heartbreaking promise to three kids before dying in tragic car crash

The BBC said: “We fully understand the strength of feeling regarding Bob Vylan’s live appearance at Glastonbury on the BBC.

“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.

“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.”

BBC Chair 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" as he issued an apology.

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.

"I want to share the statement below, which we have published (https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/statements/bob-vylan-glastonbury-live-appearance/) today, along with a statement from the Chair [https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/statements/bbc-chair-bob-vylan-glastonbury-performance/]. Please continue to treat each other with respect and kindness.

"Thank you, Tim Davie."

On Tuesday, Bob Vylan released a statement claiming that they are being "targeted for speaking up" after complaints were made about their set at Glastonbury Festival, which saw them chant "Death to the IDF".

Bob Vylan had also been due to perform in America later this year, however their visas have since been rejected. Following their controversial performance on Saturday, they have also been dropped by their agents and a criminal investigation launched into footage of their set at Glastonbury, alongside that of Kneecap.

On Tuesday, 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.

"We are not for the death of Jews, Arabs or any other race or group of people. We are for the dismantling of a violent military machine. A machine whose own soldiers were told to use 'unnecessary lethal forces' against innocent civilians waiting for aid. A machine that has destroyed much of Gaza."

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. To ask why they aren't doing more to stop the killing? To feed the starving?

"The more time they talk about Bob Vylan, the less time they spend answering for their criminal inaction. We are being targeted for speaking up. We are not the first. We will not be the last and if you care for the sanctity of human life and freedom of speech, we urge you to speak up too. Free Palestine."

Bob Vylan performed live on the BBC at the time, but the corporation have since said they have no plans of putting it back on iPlayer.

They have also since issued a statement to say theyshould have cut the livestream. The set was uploaded to iPlayer and remained on the site for more than five hours before it was removed by the BBC.

Downing Street also issued a statement following the performance as they said it was "right" for the BBC to express regret at airing the set.

A Number 10 spokesman 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.”

He later added: “The BBC needs to explain how these scenes came to be broadcast. It’s right that they have now acknowledged the live stream should have been pulled and that they will look at guidance around live events going forward.”

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Threads.