Committee asks BBC boss for view on ‘what went wrong' with Glastonbury coverage
The BBC has faced strong criticism for continuing to livestream the performance of punk rap duo Bob Vylan, which is now the subject of a criminal police investigation
Tim Davie was at Glastonbury Festival when pro-Palestine chants were broadcast by the BBC
(Image: PA Wire/PA Images )
A Government committee has written to BBC director-general Tim Davie asking him for a "personal assessment of what went wrong" with the broadcaster's Glastonbury coverage.
The BBC has faced strong criticism for continuing to livestream the performance of punk rap duo Bob Vylan, which is now the subject of a criminal police investigation, at the festival on iPlayer.
They led chants of "Death, death to the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)" during their set on the West Holts Stage on Saturday, with the broadcaster providing on-screen warnings about discriminatory language on its platform.
It later apologised on Monday and said the chants held "antisemitic sentiments" that were "unacceptable".
Irish rap trio Kneecap, who are also facing an Avon and Somerset Police investigation, appeared on the same stage directly after Bob Vylan and led the Glastonbury audience in "Free Palestine" chants.
It has since been revealed that Tim Davie was at Glastonbury when the pro-Palestine chants were broadcast.
Article continues below
In a letter sent to Mr Davie by the Culture, Media and Sport Committee on Tuesday, chairwoman Dame Caroline Dinenage asked the BBC boss 12 questions after saying its coverage had caused "widespread concern".
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy previously said that "several" editorial failures "becomes a problem of leadership" during a statement on the BBC's coverage to the Commons.
Among the questions, Dame Caroline said: "Before the festival started, did the BBC consider streaming all or part of its Glastonbury coverage with a short time delay, to allow room to respond to events if necessary?"
The Conservative MP went on to ask how many BBC staff and contractors were working at Glastonbury or on its coverage, if staff with the authority to cut Bob Vylan's live stream were present during their performance and whether ending the live stream was discussed mid-performance.
Dame Caroline then asked: "At what level were the decisions made to not stream Kneecap live and to stream Bob Vylan live, but with a warning on screen?"
The letter asked if the BBC had a contingency plan for the event and who was responsible for forming and actioning the plan, before asking if the broadcaster would review its Editorial Guidelines and guidance for live output "to ensure they are fit for live streaming".
The Tory MP added: "In summary, what is your personal assessment of what went wrong and what (are the) key lessons that the BBC will take away from the experience of live streaming Glastonbury 2025?"
Dame Caroline said she hoped for Mr Davie's response to the questions within two weeks.
Avon and Somerset Police said it had launched a probe into both the Bob Vylan and Kneecap performances after reviewing video footage and audio recordings, with a senior detective appointed to lead the investigation.
A force spokesman said: "This has been recorded as a public order incident at this time while our inquiries are at an early stage.
"The investigation will be evidence-led and will closely consider all appropriate legislation, including relating to hate crimes."
In response to criticism of their performance on Tuesday, Bob Vylan said in a statement posted on Instagram that they were being "targeted for speaking up" and that "a good many people would have you believe a punk band is the number one threat to world peace."
Article continues below
The statement said: "We are not for the death of Jews, Arabs or any other race or group of people.
"We are for the dismantling of a violent military machine. A machine whose own soldiers were told to use 'unnecessary lethal force' against innocent civilians waiting for aid.
"A machine that has destroyed much of Gaza."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Dark truth about loved-up Lorde pics revealed as insiders spill all to The Sun about ‘man-stealer's brutal blow'
Scroll down to read how the very recent ex-girlfriend of Lorde's latest 'boyfriend' has slammed their romance CURRENT AFFAIRS Dark truth about loved-up Lorde pics revealed as insiders spill all to The Sun about 'man-stealer's brutal blow' SHE'S known for her chart-topping hits about the euphoric highs and devastating lows that come with falling in love. And Lorde's latest relationship drama should provide her with plenty of material for her next album. Advertisement 12 Lorde played a surprise set at Glastonbury Festival last weekend Credit: Getty 12 The double Grammy award-winning singer was spotted getting cosy with her producer Jim-E Stack 12 The pair watched The 1975 headline the Pyramid Stage on Friday night The singer appeared to make her new romance with music producer Jim-E Stack public at Glastonbury last weekend, with the couple spotted with their arms around each other watching The 1975 headline the Pyramid Stage on Friday night, as revealed by The Sun. The double Grammy award-winning singer had played a surprise set at Worthy Farm earlier in the day, when herself and Stack were seen getting close on stage during their performance. Advertisement But the loved-up pics sparked a bitter backlash online - led by Stack's "fuming" ex-girlfriend, US singer Kacy Hill. Kanye West's former backing dancer-turned-singer took to TikTok to subtly claim her music maker ex-boyfriend ended their six-and-half-year relationship for Lorde, after the pair collaborated on her new album Virgin. Mindful of the singer's passionate fan base, Kacy, 31, resisted the temptation to give Lorde, 28, a blatant blasting on social media. Instead she posted a video which shows her slow clapping alongside the caption: 'Let's hear it for the man who ended my 6.5 year relationship while making a girl's album then started dating her,' to the soundtrack of Lorde's single Man of the Year. Meanwhile observers are suggesting that Lorde has form for dating her producers. Advertisement Her romance with Stack comes eight years after the singer, who has recorded three UK Top 10 albums, struck up a rumoured romance with another producer, Jack Antonoff, who was behind her 2017 album Melodrama, while he was dating actress Lena Dunham, 39. Lorde and Stack had previously been snapped snuggling up together on a park bench in New York in October last year. According to insiders, Kacy is quietly fuming and believes Lorde broke 'girl code'. Lorde Teases Secret Glastonbury Set Amid New Album Release 12 Kacy Hill has taken to TikTok to throw shade at Lorde 12 Lorde and Jim E-Stack were seen looking close in October 2024 Credit: Goff Advertisement A source said: 'Kacy feels let down by both Jim and Lorde. 'Six-and-a-half years is a long time and for their relationship to end in this way is hard to take, it's a real blow - especially as he's left her for another singer. 'But in regards to Lorde it's down to girl code, which she has dismantled big time. 'She doesn't seem to care about Kacy's feelings, which has been hard for her to take.' Kacy, meanwhile, has continued to reassure fans over her well-being following the break-up, posting light-hearted videos about how bagels are cheering her up, while also attempting to construct a narrative her relationship with Stack 'certainly wasn't working' when he hooked up with Lorde. Advertisement Sources close to the New Zealander insist there was no crossover. But that did little to quell the rumour mill, particularly as on one of the songs on the album - Current Affairs - she sings about the emotional distress from an illicit relationship. But, as alluded to earlier, there is enough evidence to suggest Kacy would be rightfully concerned over her partner working on an album with Lorde. Lorde has only recently split from her boyfriend Justin Warren, who was 17 years her senior. I had this feeling that I had never been alone... There'd always been someone, not even necessarily a romantic partner. And often that was an older person. I was always choosing someone to be God Lorde She first met Justin in 2009, when Lorde was a teenager signed to Universal Music, where he is an executive, in her native New Zealand. Advertisement In 2015 they were rumoured to be dating, and while they never spoke about their romance - in 2016 Justin labelled speculation they were dating as 'ridiculous' - he was often by her side. Lorde, real name Ella Yelich O'Connor, confirmed she went through a "painful" breakup in 2023 during an interview with Rolling Stone, admitting: "It continues to be a relationship that I cherish." She told the magazine: "I had this feeling that I had never been alone... There'd always been someone, not even necessarily a romantic partner. And often that was an older person. I was always choosing someone to be God." 12 Justin Warren and Lorde at a game between the Milwaukee Bucks and the New York Knicks in November 2021 Credit: Getty 12 Lorde and Jack performing during the 2017 Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival at Golden Gate Park in 2017 Advertisement 12 Actress Lena Dunham and musician Jack Antonoff were in a relationship for five years, which ended in 2017 12 Lena and Lorde were once close friends Lorde is rumoured to have grown close to producer Jack Antonoff - 13 years her senior at 41 - during the making of her second album in 2017, while she was still believed to be with Justin. He had been in a relationship with Tiny Furniture star Lena, but the pair had started to drift due to the lack of the time they were spending together, as the actress was a key part of Hillary Clinton's Presidential campaign trail. There were rumours that several of the tracks on the album were about Jack and Lorde's blossoming romance, including Green Light - which Lorde said herself she was inspired to write after attending a concert with the producer. Advertisement Another track which raised eyebrows was Sober, explained by the singer in this Tweet: 'I'll never forget writing the first demo it was like a trance I guided Jack to the chords almost wordlessly with my hands on his shoulders.' The rumours intensified when a fan created a PowerPoint presentation, which went viral, attempting to prove a legitimate romantic link between the two collaborators, which featured some compelling viewpoints. Jack and Lena split in the December of 2017, just months after Melodrama was released. In February 2018, Lorde and Jack were spotted looking very cosy in her hometown, Auckland, after they were snapped with her arms wrapped around him, both sporting huge grins. Lorde and Lena were once very close, even living together at one point, but in an interview with The Cut in November 2018 the Girls star revealed she hadn't spoken to the singer since her and Jack split. Advertisement Lena told the publication: "I don't think anything happened between them. I can never know someone else's life. I have never spoken to Ella [Lorde] about it. We haven't talked since Jack and I broke up. "It was awful, and I couldn't do anything about it except trust that what he was saying to me was true." 12 Lorde and Jack looked cosy in Auckland in Feburary 2018, yet he publicly denied suggestions she was the reason he split from Lena The pair broke their silence on the speculation, which at this time was in overdrive thanks to that PowerPoint presentation, by releasing their own statements on the alleged romance. Jack tweeted shortly after they were spotted in Auckland: 'Normally I would never address rumors but I resent having the most important friendships and working relationships in my life reduced to dumb hetero normative gossip. Advertisement 'Those relationships are deeply important and sacred. With that said, I'm not seeing anyone. lol.' The following month Lorde attempted to set the record straight herself, during an Instagram Live, saying: 'Guys, Jack and I are not dating, for the last time. 'I love him, he's awesome. But we're not dating! Please!' Love song In April that year, on the Melodrama tour, Lorde sang a love song - a cover of St Vincent's New York - accompanied by Jack on guitar and the pair enjoyed flirty banter on stage during a performance at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Fans remain convinced something went on between them eight years on, believing her electro-pop anthem What Was That, released in April, was her own Taylor Swift-style breakup song about Jack, mainly thanks to these lyrics: 'Yeah, I'm missin' you / And all the things we used to do. Advertisement 'We kissed for hours straight, well, baby, what was that?' For the cynics out there, Lorde's new relationship with Stack was revealed just as her new album Virgin was released. Last week Stack posted a tribute to Lorde on Instagram, writing: "There's no one I'd rather be in the trenches with. Eternally grateful for the journey together. Love you forever Ella." Arguably it's all handy timing for some much needed publicity. Not that Lorde really needed it, as she garnered global attention by dropping a bombshell claim during an interview with Rolling Stone magazine in May regarding her gender identity, revealing: 'I'm a woman except for the days when I'm a man.' Advertisement It's unlikely spurned singer Kacy will see that as an excuse for burning girl code. 12 Jim-E Stack shared this heartfelt Instagram post about Lorde
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Dark truth about loved-up Lorde pics revealed as insiders spill all to The Sun about ‘man-stealer's brutal blow'
SHE'S known for her chart-topping hits about the euphoric highs and devastating lows that come with falling in love. And Lorde's latest relationship drama should provide her with plenty of material for her next album. The singer appeared to make her new romance with music producer Jim-E Stack public at Glastonbury last weekend, with the couple spotted with their arms around each other watching The 1975 headline the Pyramid Stage on Friday night, as revealed by The Sun. The double Grammy award-winning singer had played a surprise set at Worthy Farm earlier in the day, when herself and Stack were seen getting close on stage during their performance. But the loved-up pics sparked a bitter backlash online - led by Stack's "fuming" ex-girlfriend, US singer Kacy Hill. Kanye West's former backing dancer-turned-singer took to TikTok to subtly claim her music maker ex-boyfriend ended their six-and-half-year relationship for Lorde, after the pair collaborated on her new album Virgin. Mindful of the singer's passionate fan base, Kacy, 31, resisted the temptation to give Lorde, 28, a blatant blasting on social media. Instead she posted a video which shows her slow clapping alongside the caption: 'Let's hear it for the man who ended my 6.5 year relationship while making a girl's album then started dating her,' to the soundtrack of Lorde's single Man of the Year. Meanwhile observers are suggesting that Lorde has form for dating her producers. Her romance with Stack comes eight years after the singer, who has recorded three UK Top 10 albums, struck up a rumoured romance with another producer, Jack Antonoff, who was behind her 2017 album Melodrama, while he was dating actress Lena Dunham, 39. Lorde and Stack had previously been snapped snuggling up together on a park bench in New York in October last year. According to insiders, Kacy is quietly fuming and believes Lorde broke 'girl code'. Lorde Teases Secret Glastonbury Set Amid New Album Release 12 12 A source said: 'Kacy feels let down by both Jim and Lorde. 'Six-and-a-half years is a long time and for their relationship to end in this way is hard to take, it's a real blow - especially as he's left her for another singer. 'But in regards to Lorde it's down to girl code, which she has dismantled big time. 'She doesn't seem to care about Kacy's feelings, which has been hard for her to take.' Kacy, meanwhile, has continued to reassure fans over her well-being following the break-up, posting light-hearted videos about how bagels are cheering her up, while also attempting to construct a narrative her relationship with Stack 'certainly wasn't working' when he hooked up with Lorde. Sources close to the New Zealander insist there was no crossover. But that did little to quell the rumour mill, particularly as on one of the songs on the album - Current Affairs - she sings about the emotional distress from an illicit relationship. But, as alluded to earlier, there is enough evidence to suggest Kacy would be rightfully concerned over her partner working on an album with Lorde. Lorde has only recently split from her boyfriend Justin Warren, who was 17 years her senior. I had this feeling that I had never been alone... There'd always been someone, not even necessarily a romantic partner. And often that was an older person. I was always choosing someone to be God Lorde She first met Justin in 2009, when Lorde was a teenager signed to Universal Music, where he is an executive, in her native New Zealand. In 2015 they were rumoured to be dating, and while they never spoke about their romance - in 2016 Justin labelled speculation they were dating as 'ridiculous' - he was often by her side. Lorde, real name Ella Yelich O'Connor, confirmed she went through a "painful" breakup in 2023 during an interview with Rolling Stone, admitting: "It continues to be a relationship that I cherish." She told the magazine: "I had this feeling that I had never been alone... There'd always been someone, not even necessarily a romantic partner. And often that was an older person. I was always choosing someone to be God." 12 12 Lorde is rumoured to have grown close to producer Jack Antonoff - 13 years her senior at 41 - during the making of her second album in 2017, while she was still believed to be with Justin. He had been in a relationship with Tiny Furniture star Lena, but the pair had started to drift due to the lack of the time they were spending together, as the actress was a key part of Hillary Clinton's Presidential campaign trail. There were rumours that several of the tracks on the album were about Jack and Lorde's blossoming romance, including Green Light - which Lorde said herself she was inspired to write after attending a concert with the producer. Another track which raised eyebrows was Sober, explained by the singer in this Tweet: 'I'll never forget writing the first demo it was like a trance I guided Jack to the chords almost wordlessly with my hands on his shoulders.' The rumours intensified when a fan created a PowerPoint presentation, which went viral, attempting to prove a legitimate romantic link between the two collaborators, which featured some compelling viewpoints. Jack and Lena split in the December of 2017, just months after Melodrama was released. In February 2018, Lorde and Jack were spotted looking very cosy in her hometown, Auckland, after they were snapped with her arms wrapped around him, both sporting huge grins. Lorde and Lena were once very close, even living together at one point, but in an interview with The Cut in November 2018 the Girls star revealed she hadn't spoken to the singer since her and Jack split. Lena told the publication: "I don't think anything happened between them. I can never know someone else's life. I have never spoken to Ella [Lorde] about it. We haven't talked since Jack and I broke up. "It was awful, and I couldn't do anything about it except trust that what he was saying to me was true." The pair broke their silence on the speculation, which at this time was in overdrive thanks to that PowerPoint presentation, by releasing their own statements on the alleged romance. Jack tweeted shortly after they were spotted in Auckland: 'Normally I would never address rumors but I resent having the most important friendships and working relationships in my life reduced to dumb hetero normative gossip. 'Those relationships are deeply important and sacred. With that said, I'm not seeing anyone. lol.' The following month Lorde attempted to set the record straight herself, during an Instagram Live, saying: 'Guys, Jack and I are not dating, for the last time. 'I love him, he's awesome. But we're not dating! Please!' Love song In April that year, on the Melodrama tour, Lorde sang a love song - a cover of St Vincent's New York - accompanied by Jack on guitar and the pair enjoyed flirty banter on stage during a performance at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Fans remain convinced something went on between them eight years on, believing her electro-pop anthem What Was That, released in April, was her own Taylor Swift-style breakup song about Jack, mainly thanks to these lyrics: 'Yeah, I'm missin' you / And all the things we used to do. 'We kissed for hours straight, well, baby, what was that?' For the cynics out there, Lorde's new relationship with Stack was revealed just as her new album Virgin was released. Last week Stack posted a tribute to Lorde on Instagram, writing: "There's no one I'd rather be in the trenches with. Eternally grateful for the journey together. Love you forever Ella." Arguably it's all handy timing for some much needed publicity. Not that Lorde really needed it, as she garnered global attention by dropping a bombshell claim during an interview with Rolling Stone magazine in May regarding her gender identity, revealing: 'I'm a woman except for the days when I'm a man.' It's unlikely spurned singer Kacy will see that as an excuse for burning girl code. 12
Wales Online
an hour ago
- Wales Online
Bob Vylan dropped from UK festival after Glastonbury controversy
Bob Vylan dropped from UK festival after Glastonbury controversy Bob Vylan have been dropped from the RADAR Festival in Manchester, with organisers confirming the news just days before the event is due to take place Bobby Vylan of Bob Vylan performs on the West Holts stage during day four of Glastonbury festival 2025 (Image: Getty Images ) Bob Vylan have been axed from a huge UK festival lineup following the controversy surrounding their Glastonbury appearance. The punk group was set to perform at RADAR Festival in Manchester, but the event's organisers have confirmed that the band will not be appearing. The festival stated on social media: "Bob Vylan will not be appearing at RADAR Festival this weekend." This decision comes after the duo released a statement claiming they are being "targeted for speaking up", following backlash over their Glastonbury Festival performance where they led chants of "Death to the IDF". Bob Vylan's plans to tour in America later in the year have also hit a snag as their visas were denied. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter Since their appearance at Glastonbury on June 28, they have been dropped by their agents and are now under criminal investigation due to footage from their set at the festival. On July 1, the band commented: "Not the first. Not the last. Today, a good many people would have you believe a punk band is the number one threat to world peace. "Last week, it was a Palestine pressure group, the week before that it was another band," as reported by the Mirror, reports the Daily Star. Article continues below They further clarified their stance, saying: "We are not for the death of Jews, Arabs or any other race or group of people. "We are for the dismantling of a violent military machine. A machine whose own soldiers were told to use 'unnecessary lethal forces' against innocent civilians waiting for aid. A machine that has destroyed much of Gaza." They continued: "We, like those in the public eye before us, are not the story. We are a diversion from the real story. "And whatever sanctions we receive will be a diversion. The Government doesn't want us to ask why they remain silent in the face of this atrocity. "To ask why they aren't doing more to stop the killing? To feed the starving?". "The more time they talk about Bob Vylan, the less time they spend answering for their criminal inaction. "We are being targeted for speaking up. We are not the first. "We will not be the last and if you care for the sanctity of human life and freedom of speech, we urge you to speak up too. Free Palestine." Earlier in the week, news surfaced that Bob Vylan's US visas were denied. Christopher Landau, United States Deputy Secretary of State, addressed the issue on X/Twitter by saying: "The @StateDept has revoked the US visas for the members of the Bob Vylan band in light of their hateful tirade at Glastonbury, including leading the crowd in death chants." He added, "Foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors to our country." Amid these revelations, although Bob Vylan's performance was broadcast live by the BBC, the broadcaster has since confirmed that there are no intentions to make the footage available again on iPlayer. Article continues below
