Ofcom issues BBC with warning over Bob Vylan Glastonbury set and demand answers
The broadcasting regulator said that it was "very concerned" over the scenes that aired on Saturday, which showed artist Bobby Vylan leading a crowd to chants of "Free, free Palestine" and "Death to the IDF".
An Ofcom spokesperson said: 'We are very concerned about the live stream of this performance, and the BBC clearly has questions to answer. We have been speaking to the BBC over the weekend and we are obtaining further information as a matter of urgency, including what procedures were in place to ensure compliance with its own editorial guidelines.'
The BBC also said this morning that it regrets not pulling the live stream of Bob Vylan's performance and said the group's comments were 'antisemitic' and 'utterly unacceptable'.
The corporation said in a statement: '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 judgement 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.'
It comes after Glastonbury organisers said yesterday that they were "appalled" over the actions of the rap punk duo, declaring that it had "crossed a line".
Shared by Emily Eavis, the statement read: "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."
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