BBC head of music steps down amid Glastonbury controversy

Extra.ie​

4 days ago

The BBC's Director of Music, Lorna Clarke, has stepped down from her responsibilities over the controversial broadcast of Bob Vylan's Glastonbury set, as reported by The Times .
This follows a performance by UK punk duo Bob Vylan at Glastonbury Festival, where the group led the crowd in a chant of death, death to the IDF, with regard to Israeli Defence Forces.
In a statement issued on Thursday, July 3, the BBC revealed that 'Bob Vylan was deemed high risk following a risk assessment process' but ultimately was deemed suitable to broadcast.
This prior assessment was applied to all Glastonbury acts, with six other performances falling under the 'high-risk' category regarding live streaming.
Calling the decision to broadcast Bob Vylan's performance 'an error,' the BBC said: '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.'
Furthermore, the BBC emphasised 'that there can be no place for antisemitism at, or on, the BBC.'
Now, Clarke has allegedly stepped down from her duties while an investigation takes place. Her role includes supervising six national popular and classical music networks, as well as Music Live Events, Music Television commissioning and the Visualisation team.
According to reports, a small number of senior BBC employees have also withdrawn from their positions overseeing live events and music.
As per their statement, the BBC said they will not be broadcasting 'any music performances deemed high risk' going forward. They have previously made the decision not to broadcast Kneecap's set at Glastonbury.
Following the controversy, Bob Vylan was pulled from the lineup of Manchester's Radar Festival.
The duo are currently under investigation by Avon and Somerset Police over their Saturday Glastonbury performance.