THE BBC has finally apologised for broadcasting Bob Vylan’s controversial appearance at Glastonbury.
The broadcaster’s chairman Samir Shah admitted that the decision to continue streaming the the pro-Palestine punk duo after their ‘death to the IDF’ chant was an “error of judgement”.
The BBC will no longer broadcast performances deemed ‘high risk’ live[/caption]
Singer Bobby Vylan also shouted “from the river to the sea Palestine… will be free” – regarded by Jews as a call for Israel’s elimination.
Avon and Somerset Police confirmed cops were investigating the performance, as well as controversial Irish rock group Kneecap, after video and audio footage of their sets had been examined.
The BBC later took down the broadcast on the iPlayer but has been criticised for not cutting it off immediately after the anti-Semitic chanting, with the live feed continuing for another 40 minutes.
In a fresh statement on Thursday, 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.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was among those who slammed the broadcaster and demanded an explanation for the decision to air the horrifying chant during the performance on the West Holts stage.
BBC director-general Tim Davie has vowed to take action to “ensure accountability” for those responsible.
Bob Vylan – which consists of singer Bobby Vylan and guitarist Bobbie Vylan – then shared a post on X of the former eating an ice-cream with the caption: “While Zionists are crying on socials, I’ve just had a late night (vegan) ice cream.”
IDF stands for Israel Defence Forces, the national military of the State of Israel, which is currently involved with the war in Gaza, one of two remaining Palestinian territories.
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