BBC issues statement following Bob Vylan controversy at Glastonbury 2025

Following the set, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said in a statement that "there is no excuse for this kind of appalling hate speech" and that "the BBC needs to explain how these scenes came to be broadcast".

In a statement responding to the issue over the weekend, a BBC spokesperson said: "Some of the comments made during Bob Vylan’s set were deeply offensive.

"During this live stream on iPlayer, which reflected what was happening on stage, a warning was issued on screen about the very strong and discriminatory language. We have no plans to make the performance available on demand."

On Monday 30th June, the BBC released an additional statement, saying: "Millions of people tuned in to enjoy Glastonbury this weekend across the BBC's output but one performance within our live streams included comments that were deeply offensive. The BBC respects freedom of expression but stands firmly against incitement to violence.

"The antisemitic sentiments expressed by Bob Vylan were utterly unacceptable and have no place on our airwaves. We welcome Glastonbury’s condemnation of the performance.

"The performance was part of a live stream of the West Holts stage on BBC iPlayer. The judgment on Saturday to issue a warning on screen while streaming online was in line with our editorial guidelines.

"In addition, we took the decision not to make the performance available on demand. The team were dealing with a live situation but with hindsight we should have pulled the stream during the performance. We regret this did not happen.

"In light of this weekend, we will look at our guidance around live events so we can be sure teams are clear on when it is acceptable to keep output on air."

Previously, the shadow home secretary, Chris Philp, had said: "By broadcasting [Bob Vylan’s] vile hatred, the BBC appears to have also broken the law. I call on the police to urgently investigate and prosecute."

He added: "Our national broadcaster should not be transmitting hateful material designed to incite violence and conflict."

Health Secretary Wes Streeting also called Vylan's comments "revolting" when speaking on BBC programme Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg.

Glastonbury organiser Emily Eavis also shared a statement regarding the performance, saying that "with almost 4,000 performances at Glastonbury 2025, there will inevitably be artists and speakers appearing on our stages whose views we do not share, and a performer's presence here should never be seen as a tacit endorsement of their opinions and beliefs".

She continued: "However, we are appalled by the statements made from the West Holts stage by Bob Vylan yesterday.

"Their chants very much crossed a line and we are urgently reminding everyone involved in the production of the Festival that there is no place at Glastonbury for antisemitism, hate speech or incitement to violence."

The BBC originally issued a warning that the set included "very strong and discriminatory language", but later removed it from iPlayer entirely.

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