The duo behind Bob Vylan have confirmed this weekend that they will be pursuing a case of defamation against the BBC, accusing them of ‘placing labels upon them which do not fit’. They have also called the broadcaster out for ‘attempting to silence’ pro-Palestine voices.
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Bob Vylan and the Glastonbury controversy
Bob Vylan made headlines around the world last summer, after part of their Glastonbury set featured lead vocalist Bobby Vylan chanting “Death to the IDF [Israeli Defence Force]”. Subsequently, they had their US visas revoked, gigs cancelled, and were dropped by their talent agency.
The BBC came under fire for broadcasting the chants in their live coverage of the festival. In a statement shared by the network shortly after the broadcast, they said that they “regret the incident”, and that the stream should have been pulled.
Although it’s also worth noting that the controversy generated a storm of interest from music fans, and in the week that followed the appearance, their most recent album – ‘Humble As The Sun’ – re-entered the UK Hip-Hop and R&B charts in position one, three months after it was initially released.
BBC accused of ‘silencing public’ with editorial decisions
Now, almost a year on and with the dust just about starting to settle, Bob Vylan have decided to shake the hornet’s nest. They stated that they will be seeking court action against the BBC, accusing them of failing to provide access to ‘unbiased news’.
“We have decided to take legal action against the BBC. In the immediate aftermath of our performance at Glastonbury 2025, The BBC wasted no time in placing labels upon us that did not, do not and never will fit.”
“As a corporation that receives the majority of its funding from the public, it has disappointingly continued to prove how little it represents the interests of the people and our access to unbiased news and information.” | Bob Vylan
‘Response was unacceptable’ – Bob Vylan
The anger in their statement is palpable, and the band go on to question editorial decisions at the Beeb, bringing up the decision to withdraw a documentary filmed inside Gaza during the Israeli military offensive. As the pair put it, they felt there was ‘no other choice’ but to lawyer-up.
“The BBC have attempted to silence those that oppose the heinous crimes taking place in Palestine, instead labelling them as antisemitic, editing their speeches, removing their content and even blocking the release of documentaries that challenge the desired narrative.”
“These responses are unacceptable. So seeing the opportunity to remind them the power of the people that they are attempting to silence, we had no choice but to take on this fight. In fact, we take great pleasure in serving them that reminder in court.” | Bob Vylan