Police have launched a criminal investigation following controversial performances by Bob Vylan and Kneecap at Glastonbury Festival on Saturday. Avon and Somerset Police confirmed officers reviewed video footage and audio recordings from both sets at the Somerset festival.
A senior detective has been appointed to lead the investigation, which has been recorded as a public order incident. During Bob Vylan's performance, rapper Bobby Vylan chanted "death, death to the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)", whilst a member of Belfast rap group Kneecap suggested fans "start a riot" outside his bandmate's upcoming court appearance.
Police review hate crime legislation
The force said the investigation will be "evidence-led" and will closely consider all appropriate legislation, including relating to hate crimes. A police spokesman said: "We have received a large amount of contact in relation to these events from people across the world and recognise the strength of public feeling."
The statement added: "There is absolutely no place in society for hate." Neighbourhood policing teams are speaking with people in their local communities and key stakeholders to reassure the public about how seriously Saturday's events are being treated.
BBC expresses regret over broadcast
The BBC has expressed regret at not pulling the live stream of Bob Vylan's performance, describing the "antisemitic sentiments" expressed as "utterly unacceptable". Police have asked members of the public to stop reporting the matter as an investigation is already under way.
Christopher Landau, the US deputy secretary of state, said Bob Vylan had been banned from the US ahead of a tour later this year due to their "hateful tirade at Glastonbury". The duo played at Coachella in California earlier this year but will be unable to return to America.
Band faces US tour cancellation
Bob Vylan were set to perform in Chicago, Brooklyn and Philadelphia in the autumn. The duo, formed in Ipswich in 2017, have released four albums addressing issues around racism, masculinity and class.
Bobby Vylan's real name is Pascal Robinson-Foster, 34, according to reports. In a statement posted to Instagram after the Glastonbury set, Vylan said: "Teaching our children to speak up for the change they want and need is the only way that we make this world a better place."
Kneecap member faces terror charge
The statement continued: "As we grow older and our fire starts to possibly dim under the suffocation of adult life and all its responsibilities, it is incredibly important that we encourage and inspire future generations to pick up the torch that was passed to us." Bob Vylan are due to perform at Radar Festival in Manchester on Saturday and Boardmasters in Newquay, Cornwall, in August.
Kneecap have been in the headlines after member Liam Og O hAnnaidh, who performs under the name Mo Chara, was charged with a terror offence. In reference to his bandmate's upcoming court date, Naoise O Caireallain, who performs under the name Moglai Bap, told Glastonbury they would "start a riot outside the courts", before clarifying: "No riots, just love and support, and support for Palestine."
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
