US government could ban Bob Vylan over Glastonbury ‘death to IDF' chant
The US State Department is 'already looking at revoking' the group's visa ahead of their twenty-city tour through the country, a senior official told the Daily Wire.
'As a reminder, under the Trump Administration, the US government will not issue visas to any foreigner who supports terrorists,' the senior official said.
Bobby Vylan, whose real name is Pascal Robinson-Foster, repeatedly chanted 'death, death to the IDF [Israel Defense Forces]' in his Glastonbury performance on Saturday.
'Free, Free Palestine,' the rapper chanted with the crowd at the music festival. 'But have you heard this one though? Death, death to the IDF! Death, death to the IDF!'
After repeating the chant several times, Vylan then shouted out another anti-Semitic chant: 'Hell yeah, from the river to the sea, Palestine must be, will be, inshallah, it will be free.'
StopAntisemitism, a watchdog organisation based in New York, called for Vylan to have his visa revoked ahead of upcoming concerts across the United States.
The group is scheduled to play in New York City, Boston, Los Angeles, and Nashville for its 'Inertia Tour' in October and November. They were previously forced to cancel shows in 2023 owing to 'visa issues' but managed to tour a year later.
'The antisemite must have his visa denied/rescinded – his hate is not welcome here,' the StopAntisemitism wrote.
Section 3B(bb) of the Immigration and Nationality Act said visas can be denied if applicants are part of 'a political, social, or other group that endorses or espouses terrorist activity'.
Another section of the act that could be examined by the State Department centres around applicants potentially causing 'serious adverse foreign policy consequences' for the United States.
Leo Terrell, the chairman of the department of justice's anti-Semitism taskforce, said his 'first call' on Monday would be to Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, to ensure Vylan cannot enter the country.
'These abhorrent chants, which included calls for the death of members of the Israeli Defense Forces, are abhorrent and have no place in any civil society,' Mr Terrell said in a statement.
'We understand that Mr Vylan is planning to travel to the United States as part of the Inertia Tour. In response, Mr. Terrell's Task Force will be reaching out to the US Department of State on Monday to determine what measures are available to address the situation and to prevent the promotion of violent antisemitic rhetoric in the United States.'
Avon and Somerset Police in the United Kingdom said they were investigating the performance and said they would determine 'whether any offenses may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation'.
The incident has drawn comparisons with the case of Lucy Connolly, who was jailed for 31 months last year for inciting racial hatred after publishing a racist social media post.
Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, said: 'It seems very clear that this man was directly inciting violence. He should receive the same treatment under the law as others, such as Lucy Connolly.
'He should be arrested and prosecuted immediately. A failure to do so would be a clear example of two-tier justice under Sir Keir Starmer and his attorney general, Lord Hermer.'
Connolly posted a message last year amid public outrage in the wake of the Southport attack, in which Axel Rudakubana stabbed three young girls to death.
Sir Keir Starmer condemned Robinson-Foster's 'appalling hate speech' and warned that the BBC had questions to answer.
The Prime Minister told The Telegraph that the corporation urgently 'needed to explain how these scenes came to be broadcast'.
The corporation is under growing scrutiny over why the performance was streamed unedited in the first place and why, when the offensive chants began, it failed to cut the feed or bleep any offensive language.
Vylan responded to the controversy in an Instagram post on Sunday saying that it is important to 'encourage and inspire future generations to pick up the torch that was passed to us.'
'Let us display to them loudly and visibly the right thing to do when we want and need change,' he wrote. 'Let them see us marching on the streets, campaigning on the ground level, organising online and shouting about it on any and every stage that we are offered.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Guardian
9 minutes ago
- The Guardian
I wrote off Glastonbury as a ‘white' festival – until I finally went
Hello and welcome to The Long Wave. This weekend I was at Glastonbury reviewing the bands with the Guardian's music team; it was my second year at the legendary arts and music festival, and I've become a total convert, preaching the glory of Worthy Farm after years of assuming that an event like it wasn't for someone like me. How Black culture belatedly found a home at Worthy Farm In recent years, Glastonbury has come under fire for the perceived whiteness of the event. In 2022, the Black British comedy legend Lenny Henry said in a Radio Times interview that 'it's interesting to watch Glastonbury and look at the audience and not see any Black people there' – even if a Black artist had a key billing. Stormzy's headline set in 2019, considered one of the most electrifying in Glastonbury's long history, was the first solo headliner ever by a Black British artist; even festival organiser Emily Eavis seemed embarrassed that it had taken so long. Much more damaging to Glastonbury's image, however, was Noel Gallagher's response to Jay-Z being announced as a headliner for the festival in 2008. The Oasis songwriter called it 'wrong', claiming that hip-hop had no place on Worthy Farm – opinions that he later recanted. When tickets sold slowly for Glastonbury that year, some commentators blamed Jay-Z's presence on the bill – rather than the terrible weather of the year before. I was only 11 in 2008, but I remember that my parents, hip-hop fans themselves, were infuriated by the backlash. To them, it demonstrated the constraints placed on Black people's careers, as well as a reminder that, regardless of success or achievement, there were spaces in this country in which we still weren't welcome. Certainly, for a long time I had no interest in attending Glastonbury. That's not so much down to my music taste – I love a lot of pop and rock music, and some of my most anticipated sets last year were Avril Lavigne and Coldplay (for my sins), and this year, Lorde and Charli xcx. If I could travel back in time to catch a set it would be Lana Del Rey in 2023. But there was also this lingering idea that camping and not showering for days just to see live music was 'something white people did'. From Fela Kuti to Beyoncé, the legends that paved the way Evidently, Glastonbury's image as a forum for white, male rock stars still lingers – and a Sunday afternoon slot for Rod Stewart this year, who the day before suggested that the country should embrace Nigel Farage, will have set things back a bit. Yet it has not always been this way. In the 1980s, Glastonbury increasingly became a home for international Black music. The American 'gentle genius' Curtis Mayfield became the first Black headliner at Glastonbury in 1983. That same year, King Sunny Adé became the first Nigerian artist to perform at the festival. The roots reggae band Black Uhuru (who returned to Glastonbury this year after a near four-decade absence) were headliners in 1984. Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti's Pyramid stage set that year, with 20-piece band Egypt 80, with its storming political messages and confrontations of authority and broken democracy, is widely regarded as one of Glastonbury's most iconic performances. Skunk Anansie headlined the Pyramid stage in 1999, making singer Skin the first Black woman to do so. Since then, Kendrick Lamar, SZA and Beyoncé have served as headliners – Beyoncé defying the same accusations of inauthenticity and non-belonging that her husband did, three years after Jay-Z silenced his critics with a shutdown performance. Naturally though, Black cultural progress often fluctuates. Last year, our arts and culture correspondent Lanre Bakare wrote that the increase in Black artists at the festival (among them Janelle Monáe, Burna Boy and Little Simz) reflected a 'cultural shift', and that while Black festivalgoers had to work to overcome 'psychological barriers', they were breaking through in order to experience what is surely one of the greatest festivals in the world. I think that is true for me, too. My approach to Glastonbury is to embrace the eclecticism of its lineup. I attended sets by artists I've never heard playing music I'd never usually listen to, that cliche of broadening your horizons. I found myself strangely emotional during what was an odd combination of a minimalist piano performance and then DJ set by Breton composer Yann Tiersen, and then imagined myself smelling alpine plants and orchids in a Yakushima forest during Japanese folk singer Ichiko Aoba's show. Glastonbury's power has always resided in its ability to loosen your inhibitions and transport you to other worlds. However, that does not mean it is a space free from the more undignified strata of British society. One white boy asked if I would 'pattern man some loud' (sell him weed); another hit me with a rogue 'wagwan?' and fist bumped me; another saw me in my vest and asked 'How comes Black people get so hench?' But by and by, these were easy to shrug off as business as usual when living in Britain, rather than expressions of hostility. Sign up to The Long Wave Nesrine Malik and Jason Okundaye deliver your weekly dose of Black life and culture from around the world after newsletter promotion A community under canvas I can honestly say that coming to Glastonbury for a second year felt like coming back home. Yes, it is still predominantly white, but there is a thriving and visible Black community: on Saturday, I had the night of my life dancing to Larizzle, one of my favourite DJs, at the Black at Glasto tent at Silver Hayes, a hub for Black culture at Glastonbury launched last year by the community design agency ourppls. I 'glamped' so I can't say that I've exactly beaten my aversion to camping, yet there can be little doubt that other Black Britons are embracing life under canvas. There has been a surge of Black birdwatching groups, hiking clubs, skiing trips – a rebuke to the idea that certain activities are 'for us' and others aren't. The lineup for this year, while perhaps not as stacked as 2024, still offered a banquet of local and international Black talent: Black Uhuru, Ezra Collective, Cymande, Celeste, Doechii. I spoke to Ghanaian-American singer Amaarae, who told me that, as a child, she had watched footage of Amy Winehouse on the West Holts stage, and felt honoured to be performing in the same spot. She added that, though there had been improvements, she had previously viewed the festival as predominantly for white artists. Had she thought she would ever play here? 'I definitely thought that one day I was going to be a star, so it was always an aspiration,' she told me. 'I didn't know how, but I knew that I could make it possible for myself.' Truly, there is no greater force against double consciousness than west African self-belief and manifestation. Nonetheless, Gallagher's claim that rap had no place at Glastonbury lingered in my mind. Stormzy was the first Black British solo artist to headline, but there hasn't been one since. AJ Tracey and Pa Salieu were the only Black British rappers on this year's bill. But then came a twist. Skepta was pulled in at the 11th hour to fill in for an illness-struck Deftones. And in just 30 minutes spitting on the mic, he produced such a thrilling set that you couldn't help but hope the headline spot is his soon. Let's just say that if, when Glastonbury returns in 2027, there's a Skepta and BBK link-up on the Pyramid stage, the streets will be there – by any means necessary. To receive the complete version of The Long Wave in your inbox every Wednesday, please subscribe here.
Scottish Sun
14 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Dave Grohl leads celebs at Wimbledon braving the rain alongside England manager Thomas Tuchel and ex-boss Roy Hodgson
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DAVE GROHL led the A-list celebrities braving the rain on Day Three of Wimbledon. The Foo Fighters frontman, 56, looked the part in his glistening suit as he walked through the All England Club gates alongside wife Jordyn Blum. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 9 Dave Grohl and Jordyn Blum looked the part as they dressed up for the big day Credit: Getty 9 England manager Thomas Tuchel was all smiles on his first trip to Wimbledon as Three Lions boss Credit: Getty 9 Tom Daley looked effortlessly cool in his fashionable outfit Credit: Getty And it was case of music greats past and present in attendance as play on the outside courts was delayed by the bad weather. That is because Olivia Rodrigo was also invited to the tennis as a guest of the club, just three days after headlining the final night of Glastonbury. And there was plenty of stars from the sporting world, too. Current England manager Thomas Tuchel headed to SW19 for the first time since taking on the job from Gareth Southgate - who was at Wimbledon on Monday. But another predecessor, Roy Hodgson, also headed to South-West London on Wednesday alongside wife Sheila. Graeme Le Saux earned 36 England caps - plus a fair few more in Soccer Aid. But he also boasts membership at the All England Club and proudly wore his badge upon arrival this morning. Diver Tom Daley - used to the water - proved he is just as capable at turning out a fashionable number as he is at twisting and turning into the pool. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS 9 Wimbledon 2025 LIVE - follow all the latest scores and updates from a thrilling fortnight at SW19 Golfer Tommy Fleetwood opted for a shimmering grey suit and tie paired with grey loafers. And actor Dominic Cooper defied his 47 years by dazzling in a brilliant sky-blue suit. Despite the wet weather in SW19, the celebs can expect another bumper day from their seats in the Royal Box on Centre Court. The day's order of play started with world No1 Aryna Sabalenka vs Marie Bouzkova followed by Brit Ollie Tarvet against defending champion Carlos Alcaraz. And the third match on Centre saw two Grand Slam champions pitted against each other in round two as 2021 US Open queen Emma Raducanu faced 2023 Wimbledon winner Marketa Vondrousova. THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY.. The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see us on Facebook at and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. England boss Thomas Tuchel arrives at Wimbledon 9 Tommy Fleetwood paired his shimmering grey suit and tie with grey loafers Credit: Getty 9 Roy and Sheila Hodgson headed for a day at the tennis Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 9 Dominic Cooper is making 47 look easy with his dashing blue suit Credit: Getty 9 Leslie Mann looked glamorous in her cream blazer jacket Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
The Sun
14 minutes ago
- The Sun
80s movie star unrecognizable as he's spotted on rare day out in LA – can you work out who he is?
THIS 80s movie star looks unrecognisable as he's spotted on a rare day out in Los Angeles. The 66-year-old actor appeared alongside Eddie Murphy in one of the best action comedy films of that decade. 6 6 6 His appearance in the Beverly Hills Cop franchise created some of the most memorable and hilarious scenes The star was seen strolling around Los Angeles in grey t-shirt, black shorts and a pair of sliders. He looked very different to his appearance on the hit movies - but have you worked out who he is yet? Well it's none other than Bronson Pinchot, who played art dealer Serge in Beverly Hills Cop, Beverly Hills Cop III, and the latest instalment Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F. 6 6 6 Bronson went for a casual look as he stepped out in a earlier this week. He showed off his silver tresses and dark moustache - looking miles away from his role in the cop movies. The actor starred alongside Hollywood legend Eddie Murphy, as he helps Detroit cop Axel investigate the murder of his best friend. Bronson reprised his role for the third instalment, where Axel returns to Beverly Hills after his boss is murdered and discovers evidence linking the killer to a California amusement park called Wonder World. The Serge star then returned for one more appearance in the 2024 reboot, where Axel takes on another investigation after his daughter's life is threatened. Bronson is also known for his role as Balki Bartokomous, on the 1980s sitcom Perfect Strangers and 1997 series Step By Step. Beverly Hills Cop star, 76, dies of cancer after 50-year career in movies He also starred as Principal Hawthorne on Netflix's Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and most recently a recurring role in Neflix series The Residence. In 2021, Bronson showcased his new slimmed-down figure after losing 60 pounds during the pandemic. He shared that it took him just six months to lose the weight. Bronson told Page Six the desire to embark on a health journey came after seeing a photo of himself he didn't like. He stumbled upon a picture of himself from his time competing on Battle of the Network Stars in 2017, which saw actors going up against each other in various athletic games. 'There was an old fat guy,' he recalled of what he thought upond seeing the photo. This turning point came just a couple of months into lockdown, and he decided in May 2020 to make a change and work on his health and fitness. In just six months, he dropped 60 pounds. He credited a lot of healthy eating for helping him shed teh weight. After getting rid of all the junk food at his home, he explained: 'Then I just put healthy food in the house and I said, 'OK, puppy, you can have whatever's there.'' He then shared before-and-after photos of himself, featuring a photo of him in a cobalt blue long-sleeve and shorts combo on Battle of the Network Sttars and present-day one of him in a T-shirt and shorts. He captioned the update post: 'Me. Before self-designed healthy plant-based eating program & 20 seconds ago.' The actor added to fans on Instagram of what led him to get healthier: 'I looked at myself shortly after my 61st birthday in May and was truly appalled at where I had let my bad habits & pandemic stress lead me.' He said he now feels 'light, flexible, healthy, hydrated & confident.'
